Chart: Scouting the AL Central in the second half

The White Sox are seeking their first American League Central title since 2008 and lead the division coming out of the All-Star break, but the defending champion Tigers are lurking in third place. Here's a closer look at all five teams, heading into the second half:

Run differential: +63

Recent trend: 30-17 since May 17.

They'll win if ... Jake Peavy, Alex Rios and Adam Dunn sustain their individual turnaround stories. There are eight rookies on the 12-man pitching staff, including Jose Quintana (4-1, 2.04 ERA) and Addison Reed (13 saves), but the veterans will be the story if this team wins.

On the spot: Kevin Youkilis has thrived since getting traded from the Red Sox, batting .347 with a .990 OPS while filling Chicago's gaping hole at third base. With Boston, he hit .233 with a .692 OPS.

Run differential: -29

Recent trend: 18-23 since May 25.

On the spot: Carlos Santana hit 27 home runs last year but has only five this year. The switch-hitting catcher's .221 average isn't a major concern, but this team needs him to join Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis and Shin-Soo Choo in propelling the offense. 3. TIGERS (44-42)

Run differential: +6

Recent trend: 18-10 since June 9.

They'll win if ... they can outslug their fielding woes. According to FanGraphs.com, they have the AL's worst Ultimate Zone Rating at -27.2 -- their defense has cost them 27.2 runs compared to an average defensive team. But their offense produced at least five runs in 11 of their past 14 games.

On the spot: Delmon Young did little for much of the first half but was hot going into the break, hitting home runs in each of his past four games to give him 10 for the year.

Recent trend: 34-33 since April 25.

They'll win if ... young players ignite a turnaround. Salvador Perez is batting .383 since returning from the disabled list, and Lorenzo Cain is healthy too. Eric Hosmer should have a better second half. Wil Myers and Jake Odorizzi could come up to provide a boost.

On the spot: Jonathan Sanchez is 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA for the Royals after coming over in a trade from San Francisco for Melky Cabrera, who had 201 hits last year and was just named MVP of the All-Star Game in Kansas City.

Run differential: -87

Recent trend: 26-23 since May 15.

On the spot: Francisco Liriano's season couldn't have started any worse, but he is 3-2 with a 2.74 ERA in his past eight starts. The lefthander is a pending free agent, so at the very least, the Twins need him to keep pitching well to bolster his trade value.