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Up next: Rays vs. Angels
By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 3, 2002
TONIGHT: 7:15.
WEDNESDAY: 7:15 p.m.
THURSDAY: 7:15 p.m.
* * *
SCOUTING REPORT: A key to the Angels' seasonlong success has been their aggressive approach and team play, and they are showing no signs of slowing.
Their 82-54 record is their best ever through 136 games and has them on pace for a franchise-record 97 wins. More important, it has them firmly in the race for a playoff spot, trailing Oakland by 4 games in the AL West but leading Seattle by 2 for the wild card.
How balance have they been? The Angels are first in the league in hitting (.284), second in team ERA (3.78) and tied for second in fielding percentage (.986). And their bullpen has been the league's best with a 3.17 ERA, plus 44 saves in 58 opportunities.
Shortstop David Eckstein, a former Florida Gator, personifies their style with his relentless hustle on the bases, at the plate and on the field. The Angels are 136-98 when he bats leadoff. Veterans Darin Erstad, Troy Glaus, Garret Anderson, Troy Percival and Kevin Appier have played a big part, and their bench has been solid. Rightfielder Tim Salmon and left-handed reliever Dennis Cook are back from injuries. Jarrod Washburn, who pitches tonight, has been one of the league's best, going 15-5 with a 3.38 ERA.
TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS: Mickey Callaway, the Rays' No. 7 pick in their inaugural draft, has filled in well for injured starter Aaron Sele. Callaway, traded in December for minor-league infielder Wilmy Caceres, is scheduled to start Thursday against the Rays. ... Reserve infielder Chone Figgins is a Brandon High product. ... Angels bullpen coach Bobby Ramos is a former Rays minor-league manager.
SEASON SERIES: The Angels have won five of six games and hold a 31-19 edge overall. At the Trop, the Angels are 14-9, including 5-1 last season.
WHO'S HOT: 2B Adam Kennedy is 18-for-37 during a 10-game hitting streak. He hit .404 in August (36-for-89), the best month of any AL player this season.
WHO'S NOT: Glaus went 5-for-21 in the six-game homestand.
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