The Good: Ichiro Suzuki (.357, 2nd in the AL
with 65 runs) wasn't a one-year fluke, Bret Boone is
driving in runs (53) and they're in first place. Ruben
Sierra (.299, 51 RBIs) worked as a fill-in for injured
Edgar Martinez. Freddy Garcia is the workhorse (128
1/3 IP, 11-5, 3.44). The pen, anchored by Kaz Sasaki
(21 saves), is solid.
The Bad: Boone's home runs (12), and average
(.229), have dropped off considerably. Mike Cameron is
a disaster at the plate (.217, 51 RBIs). Jeff Cirillo
(.246) isn't hitting like he was in Coors. And the A's
and Angels aren't going away.
What's Next: This team is balanced enough to
keep up the pace, but it won't be a walk like last
season. There are still tons of games to be played
against the West. That's where this division will be
won.
The Good: After a horrific start (.192 in
April), Tim Salmon is hitting again. Darin Erstad has
been good at the plate (.310), better in the field.
The power comes from Troy Glaus (15 HRs, 58 RBIs) and
Garret Anderson (.291, 15, 63). Jarrod Washburn (9-2,
3.21 ERA) hasn't lost since April 13. He and Ramon
Ortiz (8-6, 3.21) lead an otherwise fairly
unremarkable group of pitchers.
The Bad: Scott Schoeneweis and ex-Mariners
starter Aaron Sele both have ERAs over 5.00,
Schoeneweis has been demoted to the bullpen and may be
on the trading block.
What's Next: As it stands now, they're right
there with the A's and M's. But the Angels need some
pitching help or they won't be able to hang with the
rest of the West. Will they make a move in July, or
just wait it out?
The Good: Miguel Tejada (.294, 15 HRs, 59 RBIs) is an All-Star shortstop, Eric Chavez (58 RBIs) will
drive in more than 100 while Barry Zito (11-3, 3.49
ERA) and Mark Mulder (9-5, 3.99) are both sure things
when the team needs a quality start. Billy Koch has
blown some (four), but still is good (20 saves).
The Bad: David Justice (.279, 5, 21) is playing
like this is his last season. Jermaine Dye (.241, 6,
33) still is not 100 percent back from a broken leg.
Tim Hudson (6-7, 3.44) has been erratic, though
he's getting no run support. The A's started slowly
again -- 25-28 at the end of May -- but a 21-7 June
righted things.
What's Next: The two Giambis are gone but the
A's keep ticking. Getting lefty Ted Lilly should help.
Even without him, the A's have enough to make a run at
the West crown and should be in the thick of the wild
card race.
The Good: Alex Rodriguez (.305, 27 HRs, 73
RBIs, AL-best 66 runs) may be the AL MVP. And Kenny
Rogers (9-4, 3.57 ERA) is the ace of a much-maligned
-- and deservedly so -- pitching staff. Rafael
Palmeiro (21 HRs, 50 RBIs) still has plenty of punch
in his bat, though lefties eat him up.
The Bad: Everything else. Ivan Rodriguez has
been hurt and may be traded. Third base phenom Hank
Blalock (.200 in 32 games) bombed. Free-agent would-be
ace Chan Ho Park (3-4, 8.01 in 11 starts) has been
injured and ineffective. Juan Gonzalez was hurt and
has only six homers. John Rocker (0-2, 6.66, three
blown saves) ... ah, forget it.
What's Next: More of the bad same. This team
may be worth the watching just for A-Rod and Palmeiro,
but other than that, the Rangers struggle nightly and
don't have the pitching or hitting to keep up with the
pack.
