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 "Dog 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.
