It's a case of road skill

It’s a case of road skill

By Mike DiGiovanna

July 31, 2008 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

BOSTON -- The balance of power in the American League, rooted for years in the Northeast, appears to have tilted heavily toward the Left Coast.

The Angels crushed the Boston Red Sox, 9-2, Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep at Fenway Park, their first sweep in Boston since 2001 and the first time in franchise history they’ve swept home and road series against the Red Sox in the same year.

In improving to a major league-best 67-40, the Angels ran their regular-season win streak against Boston to eight games, matching the longest streak against the Red Sox in franchise history, set in 1961-62.

Joe Saunders gave up two runs and five hits in six innings to improve to 14-5 this season and 4-0 with a 2.89 earned-run average against Boston, and Garret Anderson had four hits, including a two-run single in the fourth inning and a two-run home run in the sixth.

The Angels, who have won 12 of 14 games, racked up 16 hits, three by Figgins, a laser of a home run by Torii Hunter, and none by newly acquired slugger Mark Teixeira, who went 0 for 4 with a walk and two strikeouts.

“I said earlier in the year when all cylinders are clicking, it can be pretty special,” said Hunter, who is batting .386 with five homers, 12 runs batted in and 15 runs in the last 12 games. “ . . . Myself, I’m starting to feel good, feel comfortable.

“That’s what we’re trying to do with Mark Teixeira, make him feel comfortable, make him feel like he’s not the only one who has to get it done. Once he’s comfortable, believe me, he’s going to do some damage. I’ve seen it. I’ve lost some weight running after a lot of balls he hit.”

Manager Mike Scioscia plugged Teixeira, acquired Tuesday from Atlanta for first baseman Casey Kotchman and a minor leaguer, into the three hole, in front of Vladimir Guerrero, Hunter and Anderson. The reason? Not only does Teixeira hit for power -- he batted .283 with 20 homers and 78 RBIs for the Braves -- he had an on-base percentage of .390.

“Mark can work counts and draw walks,” Scioscia said, when asked whether he considered batting Teixeira fourth. “We can adjust if we have to, but for now, we want to feed Vlad, Torii and G.A. by putting Mark ahead of them.”

Gary Matthews Jr., a teammate of Teixeira’s in Texas from 2004 to 2006, says he believes Teixeira is a perfect fit wherever he hits.

“His personality, his demeanor . . . this club seems to bring in blue-collar guys who handle their business, get prepared, and go out and win,” Matthews said.

“There’s not a lot of fluff, not a lot of over-the-top personalities. Not only does he hit with power to all fields and play Gold Glove defense, his personality fits here.”

Teixeira got a taste of that blue-collar work ethic when he walked into the Angels’ clubhouse at 2 p.m. Wednesday, five hours before game time.

“The first guy I saw was Howie Kendrick,” Teixeira said. “I was carrying four bags, and he asked if I needed some help.”

Teixeira said his Atlanta teammates chided him for his approach.

“I’m all business -- I’m boring,” Teixeira said. “I get to the park at the same time every day. I stretch, hit in the cage, take batting practice and play the game. I’m here to work, to win games.”

Not only in August and September, but October. The Angels don’t need Teixeira to win their division, but to win the World Series.

“When I found out I was going to be an Angel, I was ecstatic,” Teixeira said. “If you’re going to be traded, you want to go to a team that has everything it needs to go all the way. This team does. They have great pitching, a veteran lineup, I’m very lucky to be part of it.”

This is the second consecutive July in which Teixeira has been traded to a contender. After being dealt from Texas to Atlanta last season, he hit .317 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in two months.

“Being in a pennant race brings out the best in you, because every time you go to the park knowing a win will get you that much closer to the playoffs, it gives you a little more energy,” Teixeira said.

“Hopefully, that will be the case in Anaheim.”

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Slow off the blocks

Mark Teixeira had a quiet debut for the Angels on Wednesday:

FIRST INNING

Teixeira flied to deep center with nobody on.

FOURTH INNING

Was called out on strikes, leaving one runner on.

FIFTH INNING

Struck out swinging with two Angels on base.

SIXTH INNING