A.L. West

Sporting News, The, July 15, 2005

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

RHP John Lackey has refined his delivery, which has made him more effective with his fastball and changeup. By shortening his stride, he has been able to achieve a smoother motion that allows him to throw more downhill, sharpening the differential between those two pitches.... After a rough stretch, RHP Esteban Yon gained effectiveness by keeping his fastball down and on the corners. That enabled him to flit in effectively during RHP Brendan Donnelly's suspension.... Orlando Cabrera (elbow) is out at least through the All-Star break, but there won't be a huge dropoff at shortstop because of Maicer Izturis' solid play. HOT PROSPECT: After a hot start to his career in Class A, Kendry Morales was recently promoted to Class AA Arkansas, where the learning curve is steeper. Still, Morales, a talented offensive player and switch hitter, is demonstrating good power and plate discipline. He could get a look as a September call-up and likely will contend for the DH role next spring.--Mike Scarr

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

SS Bobby Crosby has closed the hole in his swing that led to 141 strikeouts in 2004. He has started hitting pitches either on or just off the outside part of the plate, the same ones he missed last year.... Marco Scutaro has emerged as the everyday second baseman. Playing winter ball has helped with his patience at the plate, and he has increased his on-base percentage nearly 45 points over last season's. He also entered last weekend with a 59-game errorless streak at second base dating back to last July.... RHP Chad Bradford, who underwent back surgery this spring, started a rehab stint in the minors and should return to his specialist role shortly after the All-Star break. HOT PROSPECT: LHP John Rheinecker, 26, would have made his big-league debut this season had he not suffered a finger injury at Class AAA, where he had a 1.77 ERA. He has command of four pitches and will challenge for a spot in the rotation next spring if he isn't traded at the deadline.--Mychael Urban

SEATTLE MARINERS

The club's decision to designate 28 Bret Boone for assignment clears the way for his successor, Jose Lopez. The move also sets the middle infield for the future as Lopez, 21, will team with SS Mike Morse, 23. Lopez provided a little pop (13 doubles, five HRs) last year in a half season with the Mariners and is considered an adequate fielder.... The club might have difficulty finding a spot in the bullpen for RHP Rafael Soriano once he's fully recovered from elbow surgery. The bullpen has been one of the team's few strengths this season, and it would be difficult to demote an effective righthander. Soriano is not suited to starting. HOT PROSPECT: One reason LF Randy Winn keeps getting mentioned in trade rumors is OF Chris Snelling, who was recently promoted to the majors. Snelling, 23, hits for a high average and has power. He should be a good fit at Safeco Field, which is partial to lefthanded hitters. The defense also could be aided, as Snelling has a stronger arm than Winn.--Jim Street

TEXAS RANGERS

OF Gary Matthews' versatility and athletic ability are the reasons he is on the roster. His inconsistent hitting and lack of plate discipline are the reasons he lost the center field job to Laynce Nix earlier this season and is unable to shed the label of a fourth outfielder.... C Gerald Laird was called up to the majors--but only for a day, as C Rod Barajas had a strained back muscle. The club clearly is committed to Barajas this season. Barring further injury to Barajas, Laird's next chance to win the starting job likely won't come until spring training. HOT PROSPECT: lan Kinder is likely the club's second baseman of the future. Kinsler, a converted shortstop, is a contact hitter with some power and has made steady progress at the plate throughout his career. He has above-average speed and entered the week with 10 stolen bases at Class AAA Oklahoma. Kinsler, 23, could make the majors this season, as Rangers 2B Alfonso Soriano has been mentioned in trade rumors.--Jesse Sanchez