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April 2007
LOS ANGELES ANGELS (2006 Finish: 89-73)
The Angels hope to use a familiar formula, six innings from their starters and a superior bullpen, to get the job done in the mediocre AL West. Francisco Rodriguez is the closer, aided by a bevy of good set-up men. John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Kelvim Escobar, Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon comprise a deep and solid starting rotation. The offense is built around the ever-productive Vladimir Guerrero, with help from Garrett Anderson. Newcomers Gary Matthews Jr., who bat leadoff, and Shea Hillenbrand, the DH, should bolster the attack. Who's New: Matthews, Hillenbrand, P Justin Speier, P Darren Oliver. Who's Through: OF Darin Erstad, DH Tim Salmon, 2B Adam Kennedy, P Brendan Donnelly, P Kevin Gregg, P J.C. Romero.
By the Numbers:
Home: 45-36, Away: 44-37
Day: 28-22, Night: 61-51
Vs. Left: 30-21, Vs. Right: 59-52
One-Run Games: 25-22
Bets and Pieces: The Angels are 129-94 against right-handed pitching the last two seasons.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS (2006 Finish: 93-69)
The glow of reaching the American League Championship faded with the departure of P Barry Zito and DH Frank Thomas, two huge elements in Oakland's success last season. While the A's still have Dan Haren, Esteban Loaiza, Rich Harden and Joe Blanton, losing Zito, who didn't miss a start in six years, will hurt. Huston Street blew 11 saves in 2006 after winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2005. Mike Piazza is being asked to fill Thomas' big cleats at DH with Eric Chavez, Mark Kotsay, Nick Swisher and Milton Bradley the other primary offensive threats. In a lackluster division, the A's have a shot. Who's New: Piazza, P Alan Embree, OF Ricky Ledee. Who's Through: Zito, Thomas, OF Jay Payton.
By the Numbers:
Home: 49-32, Away: 44-37
Day: 40-21, Night: 53-48
Vs. Left: 23-18, Vs. Right: 70-51
One-Run Games: 32-22
Bets and Pieces: The A's have been fabulous in day games, amassing a 185-105 record (.637) since 2002.
TEXAS RANGERS (2006 Finish: 80-82)
The only AL West team not to have a post-season appearance in the last six seasons is faced with a familiar problem, upgrading its woeful pitching. Brandon McCarthy, who was working in the White Sox bullpen six months ago, is being counted on to fortify a staff that is led by a pair of 30-start pitchers, Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla. Should he be healthy and return to form, Eric Gagne will be the closer with Akinori Otsuka moving back to set-up man. The lineup, though not as intimidating as in seasons past, still boasts some threats in Michael Young, Mark Teixeira, Hank Blalock and Ian Kinsler. Who's New: McCarthy, Gagne, OF Marlon Byrd, OF Frank Catalanotto, OF Kenny Lofton, DH Sammy Sosa. Who's Through: C Rod Barajas, IF Mark DeRosa, OF Carlos Lee, OF Gary Matthews Jr., 2B Eric Young, P Adam Eaton.
By the Numbers:
Home: 39-42, Away: 41-40
Day: 16-22, Night: 64-60
Vs. Left: 22-23, Vs. Right: 58-59
One-Run Games: 17-26
Bets and Pieces: Texas is a lackluster 34-52 (.395) in games decided by one run the last three seasons.
SEATTLE MARINERS (2006 Finish: 78-84)
The Mariners have finished at the bottom of the AL West three consecutive seasons and there is little to suggest that they'll take up residency anywhere else in the neighborhood this year. Seattle's major concern is a lack of quality starting pitching with a rotation of Felix Hernandez, Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, Horacio Ramirez and Cha Seung Baek unlikely to strike fear in the hearts of opposing hitters. What's more, solid set-up man Rafael Soriano was dealt in the off-season (for Ramirez), dismantling the bridge to closer J.J. Putz. The Mariners should be better on offense, especially if newcomers Jose Vidro and Jose Guillen hit as expected. The two Joses will join Ichiro Suzuki, Adrian Beltre, Raul Ibanez and Richie Sexson in a lineup that could be the most potent in the division. If the pitching somehow improves, Seattle could emerge as a surprise contender. Who's New: Batista, P Jeff Weaver, P Chris Reitsma, Vidro, Ramirez, Guillen. Who's Through: Soriano, P Joel Pineiro, P Gil Meche, OF Chris Snelling, IF Greg Dobbs.
By the Numbers:
Home: 44-37, Away: 34-47
Day: 23-27, Night: 55-57
Vs. Left: 19-24, Vs. Right: 59-60
One-Run Games: 20-24
Bets and Pieces: The home field hasn't been much of an advantage for the Mariners who have posted a 172-232 mark (.425) the last five seasons.
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