There was a point when I thought there might be more balance in the American League, and a team from the A.L. Central might have a legitimate shot at the wild card slot.
Not so much upon a closer look. The Tigers are five games behind Tampa Bay, and three games behind Boston, for the wild card spot. I just don’t see any club other than one from the A.L. East coming away with it.

Random Thoughts

- Typical John Daly. He comes out of the blue to shoot a 66 in the opening round of the British Open. I’d discount it as just one good round, but Daly’s won two majors in his career, both when he wasn’t even on the radar screen entering those tournaments. Such unpredictably on the brilliant side is part of his legend.

- Yes. My most recent column in The Oakland Press http://tinyurl.com/2b48dq2 is about how the White Sox, after winning 25 of their last 30 games, are the real threat to the Tigers in the A.L, Central. But I also realize the Twins do their best work when playing from behind, not out in front. It’s understood: The Twins relish the underdog role.