Around the AL: Television announcers beware

Texas Rangers outfielder Milton Bradley climbed the steps to the Kansas City press box after a game last week, seeking out Royals broadcasters Ryan Lefebvre and Frank White, after the duo referred to him as someone who “clearly has no control over himself.” Bradley happened to be in the clubhouse when the comments aired.

It’s good to see that Bradley actually is in complete control of himself.

Bradley says he didn’t intend to start a fight. He probably wasn’t trying out a new exercise routine, either.

"Get to know me," he said. "Ask me some questions. But the stuff you're talking about is not called for."

Lefebvre noted that Josh Hamilton, whose battle with drug addiction is well-documented, would be a good role model for Bradley. And that Bradley, who leads the American League in batting, has refused to allow fans to embrace him like they have Hamilton.

"I've done some things that could be construed as violent or temperamental, but I've never physically harmed anyone," Bradley said. "I think it's a pretty amazing story that I'm having this kind of year right now. That goes by the wayside because of my reputation."

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels intercepted Bradley in the press box and accompanied him back to the clubhouse.

Hopefully, the televisions were turned off.

Talkin' 'bout Willis

In Dontrelle Willis’ last start with the Detroit Tigers, he allowed eight earned runs and walked five batters he 1 1/3 innings. But at least he only surrendered three hits.

There had to be a silver lining somewhere.

Willis became only the third major league starting pitcher in the last 53 years to give up at least eight earned runs in a game, but three hits or fewer. The other two: Randy Johnson with the Seattle Mariners and Kerry Woods with the Chicago Cubs. Johnson did it on May 1, 1992 against the Baltimore Orioles (4 1/3 innings, three hits, eight runs, 10 walks). Wood did it on June 16, 2002 against the Chicago White Sox (four innings, two hits, eight runs six walks).

Pretty select company, if it makes Willis feel any better.

Willis is keeping different company these days. He’s in Single-A Lakeland, working on the side as if it’s spring training all over again. And, hopefully, treating his new teammates to dinner every night, seeing as how he’s the only guy in the clubhouse with a three-year, $29 million contract.

Asked why Willis tumbled all the way down to the Florida State League, general manager Dave Dombrowski said, “We think it gives us the best support system. We have people there who can work with him.”

It’s also a convenient way to shield Willis from the Detroit media — as opposed to having him at Triple-A Toledo, Double-A Erie or Single-A West Michigan.

"(At) Toledo, Erie and West Michigan, a lot more attention is focused on what is taking place. So we think our best support system is there,” Dombrowski said. “It's our headquarters. We have two (farm) clubs there and all our facilities. We really control the environment, so we think it’s the best spot."

Tigers manager Jim Leyland, not exactly the warm-and-fuzzy type, softened when talking about Willis’ demotion.

“My heart is broken for the kid,” he said. “My heart ached for the kid last night.”

Unsettled in Seattle

Change was bound to come to the Seattle Mariners, owners of the worst record in baseball.

Hitting coach Jeff Pentland was fired last week, with general manager Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren both saying that they were seeking “a different voice.”

Then the Mariners went out and got a different general manager, firing Bavasi on Monday.

Former consultant Lee Elia has replaced Pentland, injecting a much stronger personality into the Mariners’ clubhouse.

"I'm probably more spontaneous," Elia said. "If we're talking about beating a [pitcher] in a certain way and we don't accomplish it, then maybe for that moment I might say something."

Elia, of course, will forever be remembered for his expletive-laden tirade to reporters in 1983 when he was managing the Chicago Cubs.

Associate GM Lee Pelekoudas has replaced Bavasi on an interim basis. He’s been part of the Mariners’ organization for 29 years.

Saving the best

The Los Angeles Angels went into the weekend having converted 25 saves in 27 chances since April 9.

Just how impressive is this streak? Consider that during the same span, Colorado, St. Louis, San Diego, Texas and Washington each had 10 or more blown saves. The Rangers, in fact, had as many blown saves (12) as saves.

The Angels had two streaks of 12 straight converted saves this season. Only the Toronto Blue Jays had converted more consecutive chances.

Holding a grudge

So you think the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays have kissed and made up after their brawl? You think the incident is behind them?

Check with Jon Papelbon and reconsider your stance.

During his weekly appearance on Comcast SportsNet, the Red Sox closer said the feud between the two teams isn’t over yet.

“Obviously, as you can see, it's a war when we go play those guys,” he said.

“In my opinion it is a bunch of bull what they did. All I’ve got to say is what comes around goes around. Payback is a (expletive). In my opinion, and the way I feel right now, this thing isn’t all settled and done. We’ve still got to play them a few more times, and I know when we go into Tropicana, things will be a little different than when we went in there last time.”

It doesn’t sound like he means peaceful.

Not holding his tongue

If Tampa Bay pitcher Scott Kazmir thought plate umpire Derryl Cousins had a small strike zone last week, wait until they’re teamed up again. It might be the size of a walnut.

Kazmir made critical remarks about Cousins after a game that, he felt, included missed strike calls. Kazmir questioned the veteran umpire’s reputation and integrity, accusing him of employing “make-up” calls.

“I never said anything like this about an umpire, but that was just a crucial part of the game and you just don’t do that,” Kazmir said. “Makeup calls or not makeup calls, call it when it’s there. You know what I mean? You shouldn’t change your strike zone just because of the count. It doesn’t make sense.”

Among the words used by Kazmir to describe Cousins’ performance behind the plate were “unbelievable,” “ridiculous” and “amazing.”

Cousins, a 28-year veteran and a crew chief, told the St. Petersburg Times: “I didn’t know he’s been around that long. I’ve got nothing to say. It won’t be the first time or the last time that he says something.”

It probably doesn’t help that some players refer to Cousins as “shoebox,” a reference to the size of his strike zone.

Kazmir may wish it was that big if Cousins calls another one of his games.