Around the AL.(Brief Article)

 
TSNumbers 
 
2      Interleague wins by the Indians (out of nine games). 
       Against the A.L. they are 41-21. 
 
6      Interleague wins by the Royals (nine games). Against the 
       A.L.: they are 22-42. 
 
6      Consecutive starts won by Yankees ace Roger Clemens 
       (10-1, 3.57 ERA). 
 
23.1   Percentage of successful stolen base attempts 
       against Rangers pitcher Rick Helling (3-for-13). 
 
247    Pickoff throws by A's starters Tim Hudson (No. 3 in 
       the A.L.), Mark Mulder (No. 4) and Barry Zito (No. 5). 

Coming attractions

By Pedro Martinez's standards, a 2.93 ERA against the Blue Jays over the past three years is subpar. Don't know about you, but we'd take Pedro on a lousy day over any Blue Jay on his best. The Red Sox visit the wing-clipped Jays in a four-game series that starts Friday. Considering the Blue Jays have hit a measly .234 against the Sox, expect Hub hurlers to dominate.... A plane crash and train derailment, side by side. That's something like the Royals playing the Tigers. These two teams will fight Tuesday through Thursday to stay out of the Central cellar. We wouldn't argue if you threw both in there and lost the key. Keep an eye on 1B Tony Clark, who is having his best season in years and routinely thumps the Royals.

Prospect watch

Tony Blanco, 3B, Red Sox

Blanco is the most highly regarded position player in the Red Sox's system. His arm and power potential ...