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Divisional Outlook For July - Al West

Although there was a shakeup at the top of the AL West standings during the past 30 days, this is a race that may be too close to call up until and including the final days of the 2006 season. Only four games separate first place from last, and none of the AL West teams have put together that “big streak” and sustained it.

Oakland A’s

Currently:
The A’s took over the top spot in the division during the past few weeks, going 17-10 in the past 30 days. They started the month on a big-time hot streak, winning 10 games in a row, but have cooled off since, losing eight of their last 13. Nick Swisher continues to put up power numbers, but none of the regulars are hitting close to .300 on the season. This team is getting by with pitching, and Barry Zito has rounded into form.

Outlook:
If the A’s can find some offense, they are situated for a run to the title.

Texas Rangers

Currently:
The Rangers stumbled this month, posting only a 12-15 record to fall one game behind the A’s as of this writing. Most of the damage was done by the NL teams on their schedule, as the Rangers lost nine of their last 12 interleague games. Gary Matthews, Jr. and Michael Young continued their strong seasons, but the rest of the bats have gone a bit silent lately.

Outlook:
The Rangers simply lack consistency. When they get a strong pitching performance, it seems as though they fail to score runs, and vice versa. If they find their groove, they’re as in it as anyone else.

Seattle Mariners

Currently:
It was a typically streaky month for the Mariners, who wound up going 14-11 during the past month. The Mariners started the month hot, winning eight of 11 games and enjoying a five-game winning streak, but they are now mired in a five-game losing skid. The team continues to be led by their most consistent performer in Ichiro. Jamie Moyer is pitching well overall, but is having tough luck with run support.

Outlook:
The Mariners need to find the same “Fountain of Consistency” as the Rangers. They’re right in the thick of the race, but they need to string together a long streak of solid performances.

Los Angeles Angels

Currently:
Although the Angels are currently in last place, they’re only four games out. The streakiness in the AL West seems to have spread to the Angels, as they arrived at a 14-13 record over the past month after enduring two three-game losing streaks and enjoying a five-game winning streak. The Angels have also won six of their past seven. One new bright spot is pitcher Jered Weaver, who is 5-0 with a 1.35 ERA since coming up from the minors.

Outlook:
No one in this division is out of it by any means. If the Angels can find some consistency and Weaver can keep his form, this team can make a run.

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