Central Notes

Toledo has one of the youngest teams and lowest payrolls around (other than Don Law). They have one OF hitting above .200 ( Steve Freeman, .244) Vern Terrell, a 39 year old DH, is the only productive power hitter (.249-10-27). So of course they are in first place.

They owe that to a weak division, where a .500 record is good enough for 1st. Elvis Rodriguez is 6-2, 3.58 and closer Paul Williamson has an ERA of 0.88 and 13 saves.

Springfield had back to back games with a 3 HR player. First it was Adama Dunn (.281-15-39) . The next day rookie Larry Mo Pena (.225-6-12) did the trick.

Charlotte hasn't been the same team as last year's world champs, as the pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries. Parker Brouthers (.318, .415 OBP, 12 SB, 33 runs) continues to be a top leadoff hitter.

Chicago's Mike Jolley has shown signs of becoming an ace pitcher. His curveball has become a great strikeout pitch (72-22 K-W in 74 innings). The offense has struggled, none more than 2B Gumby Reese (.210) who may lose his job to Mike Chavez (.279), who is nowhere near as good defensively.

Cleveland's Alex Maldonado is becoming a superstar. He's hitting .332-9-37 with a .574 SLG. He doesn't have ideal center field range, but would make a great RF with his strong arm. Last year Maldonado hit only 6 homers in 503 at bats, but it was inevitable that some of his 49 doubles would eventually find their way over the wall.