AL Central Notes: White Sox Depth, Tigers Blockbuster, Indians Options

Here's the latest out of the American League Central:

Chicago White Sox (54-45)

The White Sox have been asking around about starting pitchers, and are one of many teams interested in the Miami Marlins' Josh Johnson. KenWo4LiFe at South Side Sox suggested the team's biggest need is to improve its depth, throwing out Scott Hairston of the New York Mets, Will Venable of the San Diego Padres and Reed Johnson of the Chicago Cubs as potential bench upgrades.

Detroit Tigers (53-47, -1.5 in Central, -1.5 in Wild Card)

The Tigers addressed their two biggest holes Monday when they acquired starter Anibal Sanchez and second baseman Omar Infante from the Miami Marlins. Conventional wisdom would suggest they're unlikely to make another major trade, but you never would have thought they'd sign Prince Fielder this winter, either. Detroit is clearly all in this season.

Cleveland Indians (50-50, -4.5 in Central, -4.5 in Wild Card)

It's not clear if the Indians will be buyers or sellers, and to what extent either way. The Texas Rangers have scouted right fielder Shin-Soo Choo and the team is listening to offers for closer Chirs Perez. On the other hand, the team has been linked to Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino.

Let's Go Tribe has been running a series of in-depth articles revolving around the trade deadline. Here's an excerpt from the most recent installment:

"The Indians do not have enough firepower in the minors to pull off Detroit's Sanchez/Infante trade. For the Tribe to make an equivalent move, they would almost surely have to part with someone like Choo or Perez. The Indians should seek to improve the 2012 team, but in a way that will also help the 2013 team."

Minnesota Twins (41-58, -13 in Central, -13 in Wild Card)

No moves have been made yet, but the Twins have had trade talks with several teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers have asked about first baseman Justin Morneau and left fielder Josh Willingham. The team is resistant to the idea of trading Willingham, who they singed to a three-year deal this offseason, but in a recent fan poll at Twinkie Town, 43 percent of fans said they should be open to trading the slugger to upgrade the rotation. The Cincinnati Reds have "kicked the tires" on center fielder Denard Span. The Baltimore Orioles are interested in Francisco Liriano.

Kansas City Royals (41-58, -13 in Central, -13 in Wild Card)

Rumor has it, the Royals are still in the market for a top of the rotation starter to help them contend next season, and have been linked to Miami's Josh Johnson. The team has accepted it's fate for 2012, and has made veterans Jonathan Broxton, Jeff Francoeur, Jose Mijares and Yuniesky Betancourt available.