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2009 MLB American League West Notebook
How good has the Torii Hunter signing been for the Los Angeles of Anaheim? Well consider that the veteran has not committed an error in his one-plus season in Southern California.
Hunter has been nothing short of solid for the Halos. After belting 21 home runs for the ballclub last year, he is already at 16 for the 2009 season.
We talked about where the Angels would be without him. And that is most certainly true. He is on a pace to hit a career-high 38 home runs. His current best is 31 hit in 2006 with Minnesota.
SEATTLE
Ah, those were the good old days. We mentioned in the National League West report entry with the Los Angeles Dodgers that the team had not lost three in a row this deep into the season.
Want to know that major league record for that category? That would be the 2001 Mariners. In Seattle’s incredible 116-win season – that did not result in the team advancing to the World Series – that ballclub did not lose three in a row until it lost games Nos. 147, 148 and 149.
Well, this year’s group won’t be confused with that group. However, the Mariners fought their way back in contention by winning seven of their last 10.
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OAKLAND
Veteran second baseman Adam Kennedy had enjoyed a solid major league career with the Angels and St. Louis.
But when he found himself out of a job in the offseason, the best he could do was sign a minor league contract with Tampa Bays. The Rays moved him to the A’s on May 10. And it’s turned out to be a great deal for both Kennedy and the A’s.
Through his first 44 games, Kennedy is hitting .298 with six home runs and 24 RBIs. Kennedy has always been defined as a very consistent player. So far, the A’s like what they see.
TEXAS
The Rangers offense could get a huge lift by the end of next week. Club officials are hopeful he will come off the disabled list following his surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle by the end of next week.
Hamilton has started to go through workouts and is reporting he is coming back pretty quickly. That is amazing given that he had the surgery only two weeks ago. Hamilton could be back when the Rangers take on Tampa Bay.
However, it is likely he will not play in the All-Star game if he is voted in. Hamilton was running third among all AL outfielders through the latest voting. At least, that’s the early thinking. He is definitely missed by this offense. The Rangers scored only 64 runs and hit .215 for June.
By Kevin Lonnquist
MLBcenter.com Staff Writer
> View all of the 2008 MLB team previews from Pro Baseball Fans
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