Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

By the time the teams faced each other for the first time this season, the Tigers were expected to be in first place -- possibly by a comfortable margin -- and the Indians in second, or even third.

Instead, when their series at Progressive Field begins tonight, the Indians lead the AL Central at 23-18 and the Tigers are in third at 20-21. The White Sox (21-21) are in between.

While the Indians might be considered a surprise locally and nationally, their players and coaches can argue their club has not played to its capabilities. More players are performing below what their recent history would suggest than above, and few of the team's splits are so good as to be unsustainable.

Likewise, from the other side of the line, the Tigers. While they might be considered a disappointment locally and nationally, they have too much talent up and down the roster to be sputtering along too much longer.

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