{"id":562,"date":"2008-07-13T16:46:52","date_gmt":"2008-07-13T23:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/2008\/07\/13\/climbing-the-ladder-with-the-american-league-71308\/"},"modified":"2008-07-13T16:46:52","modified_gmt":"2008-07-13T23:46:52","slug":"climbing-the-ladder-with-the-american-league-71308","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/2008\/07\/13\/climbing-the-ladder-with-the-american-league-71308\/","title":{"rendered":"Climbing the Ladder with the American League 7\/13\/08"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tribe waves white flag to 2008, the Rays skid continues and the Angels stay hot plus more in this weeks Climbing the Ladder with the American League.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A.L. East<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nPCT.<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nGB<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL10<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nSTRK<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tampa Bay<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n55<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n38<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.591<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n—<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n4-6<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL6<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Boston<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n56<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n40<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.583<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n0.5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n6-4<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New York<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n50<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n44<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.532<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n5.5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n6-4<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Toronto<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n46<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n48<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.489<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n9.5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n5-5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Baltimore<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n45<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n47<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.489<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n9.5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n3-7<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Tampa Bay Rays<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n55<\/font><\/td>\n38<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n328<\/font><\/td>\n103<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n139<\/font><\/td>\n243<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.290<\/font><\/td>\n.219<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.370<\/font><\/td>\n.286<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.459<\/font><\/td>\n.342<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n65<\/font><\/td>\n33<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n28<\/font><\/td>\n54<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.21<\/font><\/td>\n6.20<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Just as the last “Tampa Bay Rays are for Real” article was published in the written world of online sports coverage, Tampa has spiraled out of control and lost 6 straight.\u00c2\u00a0 Tampa is on the verge of being swept by the last place Cleveland Indians with whom the Rays are now 0-11 at Cleveland under manager Joe Madden. Prior to their current losing streak, the Rays had won 7 straight and were in first place in the American League East. The Rays are definitely struggling on their current road trip which has started a stretch in which Tampa will play 23 of their next 35 games on the road. Tampa will need to go at least .500 over this stretch to remain competitive in the East and are already behind the eight ball in doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Boston Red Sox<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n56<\/font><\/td>\n40<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n364<\/font><\/td>\n129<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n155<\/font><\/td>\n240<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.316<\/font><\/td>\n.232<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.389<\/font><\/td>\n.304<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.519<\/font><\/td>\n.353<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n78<\/font><\/td>\n30<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n38<\/font><\/td>\n45<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.50<\/font><\/td>\n5.85<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Boston Red Sox conclude their pre-All-Star schedule today when they host the Baltimore Orioles.\u00c2\u00a0 The Red Sox are 4-1 during their current home stand and have outscored their opponents 40-18 in the 5 games at Fenway while gaining 4.5 games in the standings.\u00c2\u00a0 Boston has won 6 of their last 9 and are 41-28 since 4\/29.\u00c2\u00a0 Their current record of 56-40 is good enough for the 3rd best winning percentage in the American League.\u00c2\u00a0 The Red Sox remain tough to beat at home and have won 6 of 7, 7 of 9, and 26 of 33 home games this season, ranking Boston 2nd in the Majors in home winning percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
New York Yankees <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n50<\/font><\/td>\n44<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n317<\/font><\/td>\n118<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n131<\/font><\/td>\n277<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.300<\/font><\/td>\n.227<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.373<\/font><\/td>\n.296<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.474<\/font><\/td>\n.342<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n59<\/font><\/td>\n30<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n32<\/font><\/td>\n51<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.49<\/font><\/td>\n6.08<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The New York Yankees are 1-2 on their current 4 game road trip and will look forward to resting up during the All Star break.\u00c2\u00a0 New York has performed well over a recent stretch in which the Bronx Bombers won 22 of their last 36 games, climbing to 3rd place in the American League East. \u00c2\u00a0 Yankee pitching has helped tremendously in the wining ways of New York\u00c2\u00a0 but who would have thought that the names Mussina, Pettitte and Chamberlain would take the headlines over Hughes and Kennedy.\u00c2\u00a0 The Yankee starting 5 has limited opponents to 3ER or less in each of their last 7 games while the bullpen has held their end of the bargain posting a 1.66 ERA in their last 11 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Toronto Blue Jays<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n46<\/font><\/td>\n48<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n265<\/font><\/td>\n130<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n114<\/font><\/td>\n261<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.297<\/font><\/td>\n.224<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.371<\/font><\/td>\n.301<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.450<\/font><\/td>\n.318<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n41<\/font><\/td>\n23<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n26<\/font><\/td>\n54<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.26<\/font><\/td>\n5.04<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

A.J Burnett will make his start today on 3 days rest, something he’s done only 3 other times in his career and twice this season.\u00c2\u00a0 With the Blue Jays falling into the “seller” category during this years trade season and Burnett being their most valuable bargaining chip, you have to would wonder why the Jays would make a decision like this.\u00c2\u00a0 Burnett has had a history of injures through out his career and by throwing him out there in a situation like this seems foolish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Baltimore Orioles<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n45<\/font><\/td>\n47<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n294<\/font><\/td>\n141<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n164<\/font><\/td>\n280<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.303<\/font><\/td>\n.214<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.371<\/font><\/td>\n.281<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.493<\/font><\/td>\n.350<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n59<\/font><\/td>\n40<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n46<\/font><\/td>\n53<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n3.45<\/font><\/td>\n5.74<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Baltimore Orioles look to end their streak of Sunday losses that currently stands at 13.\u00c2\u00a0 The O’s have been outscored 78-44 on Sunday and a lost today to the Boston Red Sox would put them within one game of the current streak of 14 straight losses on a\u00c2\u00a0 given day held.\u00c2\u00a0 The streak is held by the Arizona Diamondbacks’ who lost 15 straight games on Saturdays from May 8th-August 14, 2004.\u00c2\u00a0 The current Major League record of consecutive losses on a given day is 21, held by the 1939 St. Louis Browns (Tuesdays from May 2-September 26) and the 1890 Pittsburgh Innocents, who lost 21 straight Fridays from May 9th through September 12th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A.L. Central<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nPCT.<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nGB<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL10<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nSTRK<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chicago<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n54<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n39<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.581<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n—<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n6-4<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minnesota<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n53<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n41<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.564<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n1.5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n7-3<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW3<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Detroit<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n46<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n47<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.495<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n8.0<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n4-6<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL3<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kansas City<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n43<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n52<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.453<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n12.0<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n5-5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW3<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cleveland<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n40<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n53<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.430<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n14.0<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n3-7<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW3<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Chicago White Sox<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n54<\/font><\/td>\n39<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n365<\/font><\/td>\n86<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n161<\/font><\/td>\n206<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.293<\/font><\/td>\n.218<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.369<\/font><\/td>\n.280<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.513<\/font><\/td>\n.333<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n97<\/font><\/td>\n28<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n40<\/font><\/td>\n39<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.53<\/font><\/td>\n5.08<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Chicago White Sox have won 5 of their last 7 games and 13 of 18 as they finish their series with the Texas Rangers.\u00c2\u00a0 Chicago has been in first place for 84 days this season and have lead the division by as many as 6.5 games.\u00c2\u00a0 The White Sox have upped their total days in first place by a whopping 83 days from the 1 day they held onto first in 2007. Chicago’s .582 winning percentage through Saturday is .129 percentage points higher than this time in 2007, making the White Sox the second most improved team in the Majors behind the Tampa Bay Rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Minnesota Twins <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n53<\/font><\/td>\n41<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n347<\/font><\/td>\n115<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n165<\/font><\/td>\n279<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.312<\/font><\/td>\n.234<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.372<\/font><\/td>\n.287<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.463<\/font><\/td>\n.337<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n42<\/font><\/td>\n23<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n44<\/font><\/td>\n59<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.79<\/font><\/td>\n6.49<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Everyone knows the Minnesota Twins have a lights out closer.\u00c2\u00a0 The Detroit Tigers know this better than anyone.\u00c2\u00a0 Joe Nathan<\/strong> closed out the Twins win on Saturday against Detroit for the 26th time in 26 opportunities. \u00c2\u00a0 This is the most saves without a failed conversion by any active player against any team, the next most is held by John Smoltz<\/strong> vs. the Mets (24 of 24).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Detroit Tigers<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n46<\/font><\/td>\n47<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n339<\/font><\/td>\n106<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n163<\/font><\/td>\n279<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.329<\/font><\/td>\n.209<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.390<\/font><\/td>\n.282<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.539<\/font><\/td>\n.315<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n69<\/font><\/td>\n33<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n31<\/font><\/td>\n47<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n3.16<\/font><\/td>\n5.75<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Detroit Tigers have lost 3 straight but have won 22 of their last 33 games since June 7th, tying the Minnesota Twins for most wins during that stretch.\u00c2\u00a0 Tiger wins have come at a point that has coincided with the hitting of slugger Miguel Cabrera<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Cabrera has hit in 22 of his last 29 games, batting .325 with 7 doubles, 8 home runs, and 20 RBI’s while collecting multiple hits in 9 of his last 16 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Kansas City Royals<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n43<\/font><\/td>\n52<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n232<\/font><\/td>\n162<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n110<\/font><\/td>\n334<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.289<\/font><\/td>\n.240<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.342<\/font><\/td>\n.292<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.455<\/font><\/td>\n.331<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n44<\/font><\/td>\n25<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n29<\/font><\/td>\n70<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.36<\/font><\/td>\n6.41<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Who knew that the Major League leader in hitting with runners in scoring position played for the Kansas City Royals?\u00c2\u00a0 On Friday night, David DeJesus<\/strong> hit a first pitch strike in walk off fashion to put the Royals on top 5-4 for the win over the Seattle Mariners.\u00c2\u00a0 The walk off marked the first for the Royals in a little over a year with the last one coming on July 7, 2007.\u00c2\u00a0 Last nights win was also the first in 48 tries in which the Royals won after trailing after the 8th inning. Although Kansas City’s season is over, its good to see streaks like this coming to an end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cleveland Indians<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n40<\/font><\/td>\n53<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n267<\/font><\/td>\n154<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n94<\/font><\/td>\n322<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.288<\/font><\/td>\n.219<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.372<\/font><\/td>\n.283<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.479<\/font><\/td>\n.340<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n55<\/font><\/td>\n36<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n22<\/font><\/td>\n82<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.24<\/font><\/td>\n5.99<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Cleveland Indians are on the verge of sweeping the first place Tampa Bay Rays.\u00c2\u00a0 Cleveland has won 12 straight home games against the Rays and will look to extend the streak to 13.\u00c2\u00a0 Over the last 50 years the Indians have won 12 straight home games against a single team only one other time, a 15 game winning streak against the Tigers from 1994-1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A.L. West
\n<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n		W<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nPCT.<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nGB<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL10<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nSTRK<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Los Angeles <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n56<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n38<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.596<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n—<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n6-4<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nW1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oakland<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n51<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n43<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.543<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n5.0<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n6-4<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n49<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n46<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.516<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n7.5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n5-5<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL1<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seattle<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n36<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n58<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.383<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n20.0<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n3-7<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nL3<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Los Angeles Angels<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n56<\/font><\/td>\n38<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n287<\/font><\/td>\n118<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n138<\/font><\/td>\n247<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.275<\/font><\/td>\n.228<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.341<\/font><\/td>\n.283<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.428<\/font><\/td>\n.326<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n61<\/font><\/td>\n21<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n37<\/font><\/td>\n50<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.24<\/font><\/td>\n6.33<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Angels 56 wins ranks the team second in the Majors behind the Chicago Cubs.\u00c2\u00a0 Los Angeles has reached the 50 win mark before the All Star break for just the 8th time in franchise history and the 3rd time in the last 4 years.\u00c2\u00a0 Last week the Angels became the second team since 1900 to allow 20 hits in a game and win and hold a team hit less and lose in the same season since the 1992 Boston Red Sox.\u00c2\u00a0 The Angels are also the only team in the Majors to lead their division on July 13th this season who was leading their division on the same date in 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Oakland Athletics<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n51<\/font><\/td>\n43<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n328<\/font><\/td>\n79<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n130<\/font><\/td>\n211<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.290<\/font><\/td>\n.197<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.368<\/font><\/td>\n.261<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.446<\/font><\/td>\n.286<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n51<\/font><\/td>\n18<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n32<\/font><\/td>\n32<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.21<\/font><\/td>\n4.89<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Oakland A’s were held to one run on Saturday night.\u00c2\u00a0 This marked the 24th time this season that the A’s were held to one run or less and is one more time then the entire 2007 season.\u00c2\u00a0 The Oakland Athletics hold a 51-43 record and it’s the clubs 9th consecutive season that the A’s have held a .500 record or better at the All Star Break.\u00c2\u00a0 The last time the A’s were more than 2 games over .500 at the All Star Break was 2004.\u00c2\u00a0 Oakland holds a team ERA of 3.39 which leads the Major Leagues.\u00c2\u00a0 The last team to hold an ERA under 3.46 at the All Star Break was the 1990 Boston Red Sox.\u00c2\u00a0 Despite the impressive pitching numbers, Oakland doesn’t lead in all positive categories.\u00c2\u00a0 Jack Cust<\/strong> currently has 114 strike outs and is one shy of Bo Jackson’s<\/strong> the record 115 strike outs before the All Star Break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Texas Rangers <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n49<\/font><\/td>\n46<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n341<\/font><\/td>\n185<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n184<\/font><\/td>\n364<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.316<\/font><\/td>\n.244<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.388<\/font><\/td>\n.313<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.531<\/font><\/td>\n.381<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n77<\/font><\/td>\n39<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n37<\/font><\/td>\n61<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n3.16<\/font><\/td>\n7.13<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Texas Rangers hold a record of 49-46, which match’s the Ranger’s 2nd-best mark by the club since the teams last division title in 1999.\u00c2\u00a0 Texas also holds the 4th best improvement in winning percentage and the 4th best improvement in the standings compared to the first half of 2007.\u00c2\u00a0 Texas has made the biggest jump in winning percentage and standings of any team not leading their division in 2008.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Seattle Mariners<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008 <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nWins<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\nLosses<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Games <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n36<\/font><\/td>\n58<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Scored <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n210<\/font><\/td>\n169<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n83<\/font><\/td>\n351<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Batting Average<\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.295<\/font><\/td>\n.228<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Base Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.358<\/font><\/td>\n.282<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Slugging Percentage <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n.435<\/font><\/td>\n.329<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n27<\/font><\/td>\n42<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Home Runs Allowed <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n19<\/font><\/td>\n64<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ERA <\/strong><\/font><\/td>\n2.03<\/font><\/td>\n5.76<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

The Seattle Mariners are 1-6 in their last 7 games and Seattle’s awful season continues.\u00c2\u00a0 Despite performing poorly in nearly every offensive category, the Seattle Mariners do lead one category.\u00c2\u00a0 Seattle is the top stolen base team by percentage in the American League and has stolen 65 bases while getting caught just 17 times for a 79.3%.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tribe waves white flag to 2008, the Rays skid continues and the Angels stay hot plus more in this weeks Climbing the Ladder with the American League.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=562"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/562\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seamheads.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}