AL Central at the All-Star break
Detroit Tigers
Record: 53-38
Why they'll reach postseason: The Tigers already have a 6½-game lead and have a starting rotation as solid as any in baseball.
Why they won't: Too many defensive mistakes, an overworked Al Alburquerque and a struggling Joe Nathan.
Kansas City Royals
Record: 48-46
Why they'll reach postseason: The offense will become reliable and James Shields will lead the rotation to a second-half surge.
Why they won't: Down years by Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Billy Butler will cost them.
Cleveland Indians
Record: 47-47
Why they'll reach postseason: Justin Masterson gets healthy and pitches like the staff ace he should be.
Why they won't: Defensive mistakes — and there have been many — keep them around .500.
Chicago White Sox
Record: 45-51
Why they'll reach postseason: Rotation behind Chris Sale steps up and Gordon Beckham has big second half.
Why they won't: They waste big seasons by Sale and Jose Abreu because of a weak roster.
Twins
Record: 44-50
Why they'll reach postseason: Joe Mauer and Danny Santana come off DL to spark the offense.
Why they won't: The lack of depth in the starting rotation will take its toll during the second half.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III