Is this it? Is this the series that will one and for all decide the AL Central? The Sox and Tigers will meet for what is very likely the final time this season in this . . . um, CRITICAL series for both teams. Here is what you should know for this series:

2012 Record: White Sox 75-64, 1st in AL Central. Tigers 73-66, 2nd in AL Central

2012 Season Series: 4-10

All-Time Series Record: 1,005 – 1,032 (The Sox are 535-485 at home against the Tigers)

The following pitchers are expected to start in the four games:

Jose Quintana: 5-4, 3.68 ERA, 65K vs. Rick Porcello: 9-11, 4.58 ERA, 95K

Jake Peavy: 10-10, 3.22 ERA, 162K vs. Doug Fister: 8-8, 3.54 ERA, 110K

Francisco Liriano: 5-11, 5.25 ERA, 151K vs. Max Scherzer: 15-6, 3.85 ERA, 213K

Chris Sale: 16-6, 2.88 ERA, 168K vs. Justin Verlander: 13-8, 2.91 ERA, 212K

All four games begin at 7:10 pm CDT. 

No one seems to really want the division. Every time the Sox win, the Tigers win. When the Sox lose, they luck out and the Tigers also lose. Overall, not much ground has been lost in the AL Central. As frustrating as the back and forth is for the Sox, imagine how the Tigers feel? They just can’t seem to catch a break and that is perfectly ok for fans of the residents of 35th & Shields.

This past weekend was one of importance for both teams. Both really wanted to win the games, yet neither team could take care of business. The Tigers were swept by the Angels while the Sox finally ended their losing streak to the PITA Royals only to drop the finale on Sunday. Fortunately for the Sox, ending the losing streak resulted in a tiny bit of ground gained in the standings.

This week, it would be nice for a series sweep by the Sox. They have played the Tigers much better at home than they have at Comerica. It will be tough however. Fans probably expect the worst, but the best “bad” outcome in the series is a split. Anything less than that and the Sox may be in serious trouble in terms of their October baseball hopes.

On the injury front, it looks like Mr. Consistently Inconsistent could be back this week and even start against the Tigers. Before you groan though, just keep in mind that of the teams that Gavin Floyd has faced, Detroit is one that he handles easily. If he does start, it appears that he would go on Wednesday instead of Francisco Liriano.

Who’s Hot: AJ Pierzynski seems to have busted out of his slump and is hitting .316 on the homestand so far. Delmon Young has been getting it done in his last 30 games. He has 36 hits with 18 RBIS in 113 at-bats. Who’s Not: Alex Rios is hitting just .227 on the homestand. Miguel Cabrera is batting just .111 on the road trip so far.

For more on the Tigers, be sure to visit Motown Lowdown