A.L. West.(BASEBALL)

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

RHP Jeff Weaver, who has struggled this season, believes he is overthrowing. Weaver has natural movement on his pitches, but the harder he throws the more those pitches flatten out. He is working on not forcing his delivery and is trying to rely on his sinker to keep his pitch count low. ... Rookie C Mike Napoli has looked very comfortable. He isn't forcing the action at the plate and is providing much-needed power. He also has worked well with the pitchers. ... 2B Howie Kendrick was optioned to Class AAA Salt Lake where he will get regular at-bats. Kendrick had been pressing at the plate. His demotion and last week's release of Edgardo Alfonzo made Erick Aybar the main infield backup. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D The club lacks power and has struggled to get on base consistently. Pitching: C The starters have given up too many big innings. The injury to RHP Bartolo Colon has hurt. Defense: C This was a strength last season, but the fielders have committed too many mental errors.--Mike Scarr

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

RHP Esteban Loaiza threw about 45 pitches in a simulated game and is expected to be cleared for a rehab assignment soon. Loaiza has been on the D.L. with a strained trapezius muscle, which the club says was the reason for his dramatic dip in velocity early in the year. ... 2B Mark Ellis got off to a rough start this season because he was opening up his front hip too early, which led to an uneven swing. He recently solved the problem and has resumed hitting to all fields. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C- 3B Eric Chavez and 1B Nick Swisher have been a two-man show while most of the lineup has underperformed. Pitching: C+ Injuries to Loaiza and RHP Rich Harden magnified the early inconsistency of the rest of the rotation: LHP Barry Zito and RHPs Dan Haren and Joe Blanton. The bullpen has been solid but very injury-prone. Defense: B+ Chavez, Ellis and CF Mark Kotsay have been tremendous, and C Jason Kendall's dramatically improved throwing has provided a big ...