Quote: "They're not going to be perfect all the time. Everybody's going to have their lapses." -- Mo Vaughn, on the Red Sox starters, who haven't lasted more than 6 1/3 innings in the past week.

It's a fact: The Mariners' Alex Rodriguez is the only player in the AL with at least 25 homers or 80 RBIs who has not been walked intentionally.

Who's hot: The Yankees have hit 66 home runs since the All-Star break, the most in the majors, and 38 in their past 19 games.

Who's not: During his past 19 games, the Red Sox's John Valentin is batting .190 (15-for-79), dropping his average from .274 on July 25 to .259.

On deck: Two players will be going for their 16th victories in the Rangers-Red Sox doubleheader today: the Red Sox's Pedro Martinez (15-4) in the first game and the Rangers' Rick Helling (15-7) in the second.

Pub Date: 8/18/98