Angels Ahead: at Oakland

THURSDAY THROUGH JULY 19: ATHLETICS AT OAKLAND

Brad Ziegler set a major league record last season, starting his career with 39 consecutive scoreless innings. The right-handed submarine reliever has been productive if not perfect this season, pitching 39 innings entering the weekend and giving up 13 earned runs. The Athletics appear destined for last place and the Angels for a pennant drive, but the Oakland bullpen has been by far the more effective one, and the more cost-effective one. The A’s are paying about $5 million to their bullpen, for a 3.99 ERA. The Angels are paying about $24 million to their bullpen -- including $8.5 million to closer Brian Fuentes and $5 million to injured setup man Scot Shields -- for a 5.01 ERA.

-- Bill Shaikin