The Heat Index

Summer Suffering

Billy Koch--BOILING OVER
Bruce Bochy--MELTING DOWN
John Hart--SWEATING

Billy Koch, who signed a two-year, $10.6 million contract with
the White Sox in the off-season, had a 5.30 ERA at week's end and
was on the verge of losing his closer job. After Koch blew his
fourth save in a loss to the Devil Rays last Friday, manager
Jerry Manuel hinted that he may no longer use Koch in save
situations. Time is running out for manager Bruce Bochy, whose
Padres are on their way to a fifth straight losing season. And
G.M. John Hart may take the fall in Texas, where the Rangers are
headed for a fourth straight last-place finish.

COLOR PHOTO: JEFF GLIDDEN/AP (KOCH)

COLOR PHOTO: TOM DIPACE (BOCHY)

COLOR PHOTO: LM OTERO/AP (HART)