A.L. West.(BASEBALL)

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

RHP Jered Weaver figures to remain in the rotation at least until RHP Bartolo Colon (shoulder) returns from the D.L. Colon might be back this month. Weaver, the younger brother of Angels RHP Jeff Weaver, has excellent command and a wide variety of pitches.... Chone Figgins' versatility as a utilityman finally has taken a toll on his defense. Figgins began the week with nine errors--he had 10 alt last season. While primarily playing center field with Darin Etstad (ankle) on the D.L., Figgins hasn't always gotten the correct read on line drives and still is learning when to provide support for the comer outfielders. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Angels have tried to be more patient at the plate, a challenge for a team that prefers an aggressive approach. But their lack of power requires that they get runners on base and put the offense in motion. SS Orlando Cabrera is having the toughest time making the transition. Rookie C Mike Napoli and veteran DH Tim Salmon are the most comfortable at taking extra pitches.--Mike Scarf

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

There is quiet concern regarding the health of RHP Huston Street, who hasn't looked anything like the dominant closer who ran away with the 2005 A.L. Rookie of the Year award. He missed two weeks earlier this season with a strained pectoral muscle and entered the week with a 10.80 ERA when pitching for a second consecutive day.... OF/18 Nick Swisher struggled recently because he was swinging for the fences. He's at his best spraying line drives to all fields.... RHP Joe Blanten's spot in the rotation might be in danger. His weight and fitness are concerns, not to mention his 6.02 ERA. Because of his "split" contract--he won't make big-league money in Class AAA--the A's won't hesitate to make a move. SIDE A DIFFERENT GAME: When RHP Esteban Loaiza returns, his arm slot will help indicate whether his shoulder remains a concern. If he throws over the top or close to it, he's fine--and the cut fastball on which he so heavily relies will sink. If his arm drops down, he's not quite fight-and his cutter will be flat and far more hittable.--Mychael Urban