A new year should once again mean a new name atop the ever changing carousel better known as the American League Central. With the Detroit Tigers winning the pennant in 2007, the White Sox following suit in 2008 and the Twins taking home the crown last season, great competition has defined the division at the expense of consistency. The 2010 season will most likely see one of the previous two division winners once again lay claim to the automatic playoff berth afforded to the AL Central winner. The Twins and White sox will match up on September 14^th in the first game of a 3-game series. The competition should heat up, as it’s likely only one of the two teams will realize their playoff aspirations, with a three-set of better record teams currently competing for the AL East’s top spot.The White Sox have made more headlines this season, though it has been more indicative of manager Ozzie Guillen’s off-field commentary than the ball club’s on-field performance. The White Sox have been an inconsistent bunch, though they remain in good position. Second-year player Gordon Beckham has spent the entire season lost in a sophomore slump, while ace Jake Peavy suffered a season ending injury after a good-not-great start to the year. A rejuvenated Paul Konerko and a back from the dead Alex Rios have carried the White Sox offense thus far, with John Danks leading the way for the White Sox’s pitching staff. Minnesota, on the other hand, has fallen back on their traditional heroes to knock in their runs. Catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman Justin Morneau are up to their usual antics, providing productive statistics from the Twins heart of the order, while left fielder Delmon Young may have finally taken the next step towards heighted echelon of Major League outfielders in his 4^th full season of service. Out of the bullpen, Jon Rauch has provided stability in the closer role, a position that came into question when Joe Nathan went down with a season-ending injury in March.