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2009 MLB American League West Notebook
Ranger’s president Nolan Ryan came to right-hander Kevin Millwood and told him to drop about 25 pounds in order to be a more durable pitcher.
Millwood did that and the results have been exceptional. Millwood is 6-4 with a 2.72 ERA. He is fourth in the American League in innings pitched at 92 2/3, while the ERA is running sixth and the six wins are seventh.
Millwood has taken a start at least seven innings in 10 of 13 apperances. His shortest outing was 5 2/3 on May 26 against the Yankees. But Millwood's measure of a stopper appeared on June 11 against Toronto. The Rangers looked back in consecutive losses to the Blue Jays by scores of 6-3 and 9-0. Millwood threw 7 2/3 innings in 1-0 win.
He just needs a little more run support. The Rangers are averaging only 4.46 runs per game for him.
SEATTLE
The Mariners may have their issues, but their recent surge of winning six of their last 10 is because they have done a good job keeping people off the scoreboard.
Starters and relievers are as hot the summer is about to be. Going into the weekend series at Colorado, the Mariners have put together a record of nine consecutive games of allowing three or fewer runs. Inside of that between June 1-7, the Ms tied a record of six consecutive games of allowing two or fewer runs.
Seattle's ERA for June is 1.78. Plus, the bullpen's ERA is the American League from the 7th inning and beyond at 2.93. That's why they have caught Los Angeles and are in a tie for second in the division behind Texas.
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OAKLAND
Outfielder Matt Holliday will likely be the prized position player to deal for as the July 31 trading deadline looms. Of course, there's a lot to like about Holliday. After a slow start, he has warmed up and began the weekend series with San Francisco batting .274 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs.
Holliday has averaged nearly 32 home runs over the last three seasons. The teams that may be interested in him could be the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta and Boston. Of course, the A's are going to have see over the next several weeks if they are going to have a chance to really challenge for the division or not. Plus, they would drive up the asking price.
LOS ANGELES
Six starts into their returns from the disabled list, let's take a look at how Ervin Santana and John Lackey have fared for the Angels. But here's the cliff notes version: their positive infusion has not been felt.
For Santana, it's been a nightmare. He's 1-3 with a 7.47 ERA and has allowed 45 hits in 31 2/3 innings. Santana has allowed six or more runs in three of his six starts.
As for Lackey, he is not far behind. He's 1-2 with a 6.61 ERA. Lackey has allowed 42 hits in 31 1/3 innings. Plus, he has allowed at least four or more earned runs in three of his six starts.
Yes, the two are coming off elbow issues and may need a little more time. However, it's safe to say that the Angels are really going to need these two to get it going.
By Kevin Lonnquist
MLBcenter.com Staff Writer
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