AL Central Rumors: Tigers, White Sox, Twins

Here's the latest from the Central:

• It’s Ken Williams’ favorite time of the year - Chicago Sun-Times
  "Williams has tradable players such as Carlos Quentin, John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton (because of their contract status) with value. But he’ll deal only if he gets an impact player or a young talent who will make an impact soon."
• Ex-Tiger Carlos Pena should have suitors - The Detroit News
  "Only a handful of teams have the bucks to seriously negotiate with the top-tier slugging first basemen, Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. For other, fiscally-conscious ballclubs, there are cheaper, short-term alternatives — among them, Casey Kotchman, Derrek Lee and former Tiger Carlos Pena."
• Should the Tigers Offer Arbitration to Wilson Betemit? - Bless You Boys
  "Many observers believe that uncertainty about the rules has had a chilling effect on the early off season action this year. The Tigers have no Type A free agents this off season, but they have two Type B free agents in Magglio Ordonez and Wilson Betemit. Under current rules, Detroit would receive a supplemental first round draft choice next June, should a Type B free agent player decline arbitration and sign with another club."

• 2012 Roster Projection: Chicago White Sox - MLB Daily Dish
  "One place where you could see another change is the trading of Carlos Quentin. They have a potential impact bat that's MLB-ready in Dayan Viciedo, but there isn't really an obvious place to play him. If they can tolerate the defense, and it's not like Quentin is a whiz out there anyways, that's a guy that needs to be playing everyday."

• Twins express interest in Doumit, Willingham - StarTribune.com
  "Doumit and Willingham probably won't sign anywhere until the winter meetings in early December, and much of the Twins' plans hinge on whether they re-sign Michael Cuddyer. But if Cuddyer signs elsewhere, Doumit and Willingham -- not to mention Jason Kubel -- are among the players the Twins might pursue aggressively."
• More on the Twins search for a backup catcher - StarTribune.com
  "Another option fell off the board for the Twins last week when the Pirates signed Rod Barajas to a one-year, $4 million deal with an option for 2013. Eventually, the Twins might wind up turning to Varitek or Rodriguez, two former All-Stars who have shifted into backup roles late in their careers."
• Dombrowski shares TSN Executive of the Year award - Beck's Blog
  "Dombrowski already had credit for one of the best free-agent signings of the offseason, wooing Victor Martinez instead of Adam Dunn. His aggressive signing of Joaquin Benoit paid dividends after early-season struggles. But he was at his best in July and August, when he swung deals for Wilson Betemit and Doug Fister around the deadline before making an under-the-radar trade for Delmon Young in mid-August."