Mays AP

The Good ... A starting trio that can stick with any in the majors in Brad Radke (9-4, 3.76 ERA), Eric Milton (8-3, 3.88) and Joe Mays (10-5, 3.03). An opportunistic offense, sparked by the start of Doug Mientkiewicz (.311, 11, 50). A sparkplug in Cristian Guzman (.303, 16 stolen bases). And an offense that has five regulars hitting over .300.

The Bad ... Hard to find fault with the lowest-paid team in baseball sitting at 20 games over .500. If the starters hold on, and if LaTroy Hawkins (21 saves, 3.13) doesn't blow up in the bullpen -- and that's a sizable if -- there's no reason the Twins shouldn't be there in September. Mientkiewicz had a .237 June, and he has to do better than that.

The Rest ... If there's a manager alive to guide the still-young Twins through the minefield of the second half, it's grizzled Tom Kelly. The Twins also have said that considering their dirt-cheap payroll, they can go after a good trade -- say, for an experienced closer or a big bat. We'll see, but this team has fewer holes than most.  

Alomar AP

The Good ... The most potent offense this side of Colorado, the Indians are getting great years from Roberto Alomar (AL-leading .365 BA, 8, 51), Juan Gonzalez (.342, 21, 75) and Marty Cordova (.330, 10, 40). They have banged 112 HRs in 80 games, including 21 from Ellis Burks and 22 from Jim Thome.

The Bad ... Notice how we didn't mention pitching? It's been a disaster, with the possible exception of rookie C.C. Sabathia (7-3, 4.39). The addition of John Rocker may help the bullpen, but the 5.53 ERA among starters (12th in the AL) is what really needs the help.

The Rest ... Unless the pitching comes around -- someone from the likes of Bartolo Colon, Charles Nagy or Jaret Wright needs to step up -- this team looks too much like the Texas Rangers. All hit, no pitch. They might be in the market to upgrade, but so are many others. There just aren't that many good starters around.  

Ordoñez AP

The Good ... Paul Konerko has come alive in the Windy City (.273, 16, 46). But it's Magglio Ordoñez (.303, 19, 54) who's kept this team from sinking to the cellar after the loss of Frank Thomas. Carlos Lee (.301, 13, 46) also has impressed. The White Sox played 18-9 ball in June -- only the Atlanta Braves were better -- and the Sox had a 3.64 ERA, best in the AL.

The Bad ... David Wells (5-7, 4.47) always has something swirling around him and James Baldwin (5-4, 4.02) has been so-so. The rotation seems a step away from disaster. And, sorry, Jose Canseco. You are no substitute for the Big Hurt. The Sox need a bat or two.

The Rest ... Mark Buehrle (6-4, 3.33) was 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA in the June rush. The question is whether he can keep it up. The Chicago brass also has to decide whether they can get a taker for Wells. Twelve games behind is a lot to make up.  

Clark AP

The Good ... Tony Clark is a deserved All-Star (.304, 12, 48) and without Robert Fick (.305, 12, 33), the Tigers would be much worse off than they are. The starters have struggled, but Steve W. Sparks (5-3, 4.02) has held his own. For a team 16 1/2 games back, that's as good as we can do.

The Bad ... The 5.51 ERA for starters is 11th in the AL, so the Tigers traded for Jose Lima. We'll see what that does. In the pen, Todd Jones has blown a baseball-high six saves and lost his spot as the team's closer to Matt Anderson. Dean Palmer is hitting only .222 and had only three homers in June.

The Rest ... Jones is now considered ripe for a trade, which could aid the game Tigers, who promise to get better. Really. Maybe not this year. But soon. Owner Mike Ilitch has taken charge after former president John McHale went to Tampa Bay, but don't expect any benefits before 2002.  

Sweeney AP

The Good ... Mike Sweeney leads baseball with 56 extra-base hits, including a baseball-best 35 doubles. He's also hitting .342 with 21 homers and 64 RBIs. Jermaine Dye (.286, 11, 39) has had a good first half, too. Catch him in a K.C. uniform while you can.

The Bad ... The Royals were never favorites in the Central, but no one expected them to be this bad. Their pitching staff has been Gopher Balls R Us: 114 homers allowed, more than anyone in the AL. Only the Houston Astros, who play in a whiffle ball park, have allowed more.

The Rest ... Oh, the Royals will trade. They've already started to, getting an old catcher (Brent Mayne) for a young pitcher (Mac Suzuki). Don't ask. Dye, the apple of many a contender's eye, is probably next up. The Royals aren't holding manager Tony Muser accountable. At least they say they're not.