"It's probably great," Young said then, "that we're not playing the AL East right now."

That's a sentiment all American League Central teams could echo in this season. Through Sunday, no one in the Central had a winning record against the East, and the Twins are 3-8 vs. East teams.

The issues don't stop there -- the Central has been less than stout this season in several areas.

No Central Division team ranks in the top five in the American League in any of the following statistical categories: runs, hits, home runs, total bases, runs batted in, batting average, slugging percentage, on-base-plus-slugging percentage and extra base hits.

One thing does seem clear: Central teams seem most evenly matched against each other. Minnesota has played all four of its divisional opponents at least once and is 5-6 in the Central.

"I think we're all pretty much grouped together," Gardenhire said. "In our division, I think everybody has their issues, and I think everybody has a chance. That's what it looks like up to this point. It's going to be who gets it done now. It's still early. A lot of times as you go along, these things separate a little bit. Who knows if this one's going to separate."

One month into the season, the only separation has come from a surprising source. Much like last season's Tigers were widely expected to dominate the division, the Indians appeared to make the offseason moves necessary to make them the 2009 frontrunner.

But Cleveland has flailed. While the other four Central teams are hovering within 3 1/2 games of each other, the last-place Indians are 12-21, 6 1/2 games behind first-place Detroit and Kansas City.

Meanwhile, Kansas City, the perennial AL Central basement dweller, has risen to the top behind a strong starting rotation (the Royals starters' 3.62 earned-run average is second-best in the AL), a brilliant ace in Zach Greinke (6-1, 0.51 ERA), a balanced lineup and a stable bullpen.

"I think everyone's focused on what the Royals are going to do," Twins starter Glen Perkins said. "They're on a roll right now. It definitely makes it fun. There's good competition, and you know when you go out there, there aren't going to be any gimmes."

Minnesota has 18 games left against Central Division foes before the all-star break, with 43 divisional games after the break. Twenty-four of those are in the Twins' final 31 games of the season. Unless injuries decimate a team's chances, Mike Redmond doesn't see anyone dominating, and if that prediction comes true, it would set up thrilling September Baseball.

"It's going to be a typical battle," Redmond said. "I'm sure we'll beat each other up like we always do."

Briefly: Detroit left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis is making his first start Wednesday since being put on the disabled list because of an anxiety disorder late in spring training.