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July 03, 2006
Doug Padilla: M's on the rise
After all the talk before the season that the Angels, A's or Rangers would control the division, the Seattle Mariners went into Monday's game playing the best baseball in the American League West. The Mariners went 14-4 in interleague play and have won 11 of their last 15 games. Angels manager Mike Scioscia has been impressed.
Ichiro Suzuki is doing his typical job of being a pest at the top of the order but guys like Yuniesky Betancourt and Jose Lopez have given the team a lift. Adrian Beltre has improved isnce moving into the No. 2 spot in the lineup three weeks ago.
"The two guys Betancourt and Lopez are probably the most improved guys on their team from what we saw last year," Scioscia said. "You could see the talent was there but I think their inexperience last year showed up at times. That time they spent up here last year they put to good use because it made them more comfortable this year and they're playing great baseball."
Posted by Doug Padilla at July 3, 2006 08:47 PM