After dropping 13 of 14 games the Oakland Athletics found themselves eight games back of first place in the AL West. The only reason they weren't further back was the fact that the Texas Rangers were not exactly blowing up at the top of the standings. However, Oakland's recent series victory over the Kansas City Royals came at an opportune time as the Rangers are in the midst of a five game losing streak. After entering the week eight games back of first, the A's have quickly moved to six games back heading into their weekend Bay Bridge Series with the San Francisco Giants.
The Rangers struggles have allowed the entire AL West to climb closer to the top. The Mariners have climbed to within 1/2 game of the Rangers in spite of losing two of three to the Angels. The Rangers were swept by the Yankees and thus the Mariners picked up a game. The Angels picked up a game and a half with their series victory over the Mariners and now trail Texas by three games.