A.L. west

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

18 Darin Erstad's move to No. 2 in the order is paying off. He has raised his batting average about 60 points, and the entire lineup has responded. Erstad's ability to make contact allows for aggressive baserunning in front of him and sets up the middle of the order behind him. ... The back end of the bullpen continues to struggle as it logs a lot of innings. RHP Scot Shields says he is not fatigued, but he has not been as effective with his breaking pitches, and RHP Brendan Donnelly is facing a suspension for having pine tar in his glove. That opens the door for efficient RHP Joel Peralta, who mixes a low-90s fastball with a slider and uses a split-finger as an out pitch. POWER TOOL: 2B Chone Figgins' speed helps set the table for the team's aggressive approach. He has the ability to tam hits in the gaps and corners into triples, and his speed puts constant pressure on the defense and makes him a threat to score whenever he's on base. With improved bunting skills, Figgins could be a premier leadoff hitter.--Mike Scarr

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

38 Eric Chavez's big jump in production the past few weeks can be attributed to two small adjustments. At the start of June, he moved 6 inches closer to the plate and moved his hands 6 inches higher on the bat. The changes enable Chavez to handle outside pitches better and stay on top of the ball. ... RHP Justin Duchscherer, a long man last year, now is one of the A's most trusted relievers. When rookie RHP Huston Street is unavailable to close, Duchscherer or RHP Kiko Calero will get the call. ... OF Eric Byrnes remains a strong candidate to be traded, but while he's still with the As, they'd like him to tone down the lift in his swing, hit the ball on the ground more and maximize his above-average speed. POWER TOOL: Chavez's effortless power can carry the A's offense when he's hot. He isn't the typical lefthanded hitter who golfs low pitches out of the yard. He can do that, but he also will make a pitcher pay for challenging him higher in the zone.--Mychael Urban

SEATTLE MARINERS

Given how well rookie SS Mike Morse has played since moving into the starting lineup, the organization will have a tough decision to make when Pokey Reese (shoulder) returns. Morse isn't as good defensively as Reese, but he has more offensive potential and hasn't been overmatched by major league pitchers. ... 2B Bret Boone continues to struggle on offense, which is making it more difficult to find a trading partner. If the Mariners aren't within shouting distance of a playoff spot by July 1, look for G.M. Bill Bavasi to explore a trade that will make room for Jose Lope, z, who is regarded as the team's second baseman of the future. POWER TOOL: 3B Adrian Beltre has been solid as a rock with his glove, making routine plays look easy and throwing in some dazzling plays to boot. He has looked like a sure Gold Glove winner and rarely makes a bad throw. He can go equally well to his right and left, charges the ball well and, with 6-8 Richie Sexson at first base, can make a high throw and get away with it.--Jim Street

TEXAS RANGERS

The club's decision to release RHP Pedro Astacio creates opportunities for younger pitchers, such as rookie LHP C.J. Wilson and RHP Juan Dominguez, to join the rotation. Wilson, who got the first crack at Astacio's spot, relies on keeping the ball down and changing speeds. The team has shown a willingness to dump a struggling starter; earlier this season, RHP Ryan Drese was let go and replaced by RHP Ricardo Rodriguez, who won his first two starts. ... CF Laynce Nix is nowhere close to being the offensive player he was in the minors. The club loves his effort, poise and speed. But he also is overly aggressive and makes too many mistakes running the bases. POWER TOOL: OF/DH David Dellucci arguably is the club's best baserunner, even though he doesn't have great speed. He relies more on quickness and has great instincts when it comes to reading batted balls. Dellucci routinely makes opponents pay for their physical and mental errors in the field.--Jesse Sanchez