Title:
Divisional Outlook For June - Al West Word Count:
518 Summary:
Form held in the standings over the past month in the AL West as each team looked to make a move before heading into the ˆDog Days˜ of summer. Overall, the divisional race remains extremely tight, as the distance between the first and last-place teams is only 5.5 games. A hot or cold streak here or there could really shake things up, and as of now, this division is simply too close to call. Texas Rangers
Currently:
The Rangers held their lead in the division over the p...
Keywords:
Divisional,Outlook,for,June, AL,West
Article Body:
Form held in the standings over the past month in the AL West as each team looked to make a move before heading into the ˆDog Days˜ of summer. Overall, the divisional race remains extremely tight, as the distance between the first and last-place teams is only 5.5 games. A hot or cold streak here or there could really shake things up, and as of now, this division is simply too close to call. Texas Rangers
Currently:
The Rangers held their lead in the division over the past month despite posting only a 13-13 record over the past month. True to their up-and-down nature, the Rangers never suffered a losing streak longer than two games nor enjoyed a winning streak longer than three games. Their offense continues to be led by Michael Young, Hank Blalock and Gary Matthews, Jr., all of whom are continuing their strong starts. They´re also getting some power from Kevin Mench. Their pitching continues to struggle, however. Outlook:
Even though their offense is hitting well, their pitching needs to turn it around, or this team will be in danger of a collapse if their bats go cold. Oakland A´s
Currently:
The A´s managed to stay in touch with the Rangers during the past 30 days, but this is an awfully streaky team. While going 13-16 over the past month, the A´s enjoyed a 5-game winning streak that was sandwiched by a 4-game losing streak and a brutal 7-game stretch without a win. Nick Swisher is continuing his solid season with good power numbers, but the rest of the team, like their record, has been inconsistent. Outlook:
Other than mainstay Barry Zito, who is rumored to be available in a trade, the pitching staff has been spotty, and it needs to round into form to supply the A´s with much-needed consistency. Seattle Mariners
Currently:
If you´re beginning to see a trend in this division, you´re far from alone. The Mariners stayed put in the standings with a 14-14 record over the past month, and this is another streaky team. The Mariners won four in a row and lost six straight to arrive at this .500 record over the past 30 days. Ichiro continues to be the stalwart on offense, as he´s averaging nearly two hits per game. Jose Lopez is also continuing his great season. Outlook:
Other than Jamie Moyer, none of the starting pitchers on the Mariners´ staff has an ERA below 4.00. That´s not a good sign, and it needs to turn around if the Mariners are to seriously contend this season. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Currently:
The notion of this division consisting of streaky teams was bolstered in the past month by the Angels, who posted a 12-15 record. Within that record is a 4-game winning streak and a 6-game losing skid. On offense, Vladimir Guerrero is still Vladimir Guerrero, and Orlando Cabrera is beginning to heat up. Outlook:
If pitchers Ervin Santana and Jeff Weaver can put up similar numbers to John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar, the Angels could turn it around and make a serious push over the summer.
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