Anaheim Angels @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Notes: Lesson pays off for Kendrick

2006-07-21T12:14:00.001-07:00

07/19/2006
ANAHEIM -- Howie Kendrick proved he could hit in four productive Minor League seasons.
But during his first turn in the Majors earlier this year, Kendrick found out quickly he had something new to master: the big-league breaking ball.
So after going 3-for-23 in his first callup, Kendrick returned to Triple-A and concentrated on hitting offspeed pitches.
"They started doing the same thing to me up here as they were doing down there," Kendrick said. "I just focused on slowing the game down and making adjustments to not swing at balls off the plate."
Kendrick credits his work with Salt Lake hitting coach Jim Eppard and games with Colorado Springs, which fed him a steady diet of breaking pitches.
"Some teams just decided to pitch me one way," Kendrick said. "Facing [Colorado Springs] worked to my advantage because I was able work on hitting off-speed."
It showed in the fourth inning Tuesday night when Indians left-hander Cliff Lee started him out with a breaking ball and Kendrick swung through it. He then lined a changeup to left to score two runs that Kendrick admitted was also a bit of guesswork.
Kendrick is beginning to push his way into the Angels' lineup against left-handers, along with Robb Quinlan, to help boost the team's production. Entering Wednesday, the Angels were hitting .254 against lefties. As his progress continues, though, a platoon system will not be in Kendrick's future for long.
"When he gets in the batter's box, he doesn't remind you of anyone because he is special," manager Mike Scioscia said. "I think he is going to separate himself [from the pack] as his career moves on because of the offensive talent that he has."
Getting close: Jered Weaver threw a "touch" bullpen session Wednesday and will throw a full bullpen Friday, when the club will reevaluate the right-hander. If he does not suffer any setbacks, Weaver will start Sunday in Kansas City.
"We're very confident that he will be ready, but he has to show us," Scioscia said.
Weaver has been sidelined with biceps tendinitis, a condition that also bothered him in college and one he felt in his last two starts. If Weaver cannot go, he will be placed on the disabled list, retroactive to July 9. Left-hander Joe Saunders would start in his place.
Right-hander Kelvim Escobar has done a more convincing job in his recovery from a sore right elbow and is on target to pitch Saturday against the Royals, Scioscia said.
Tick, tock: Casey Kotchman has missed a total of 61 games this season as he recovers from mononucleosis. The first baseman played well in Spring Training, but struggled in the early going this season and was placed on the disabled list May 9.
The club has yet to close the window on the season for Kotchman, but time continues to shorten.
"Right now, we want to get Casey feeling good," Scioscia said. "This year is slipping through some cracks, but we're not giving up yet."
Carving a niche: Kotchman was supposed to take over for Darin Erstad this season at first base. Most scouts believe Kotchman has similar defensive skills to the three-time Gold Glove-winning Erstad, who won two in center field and another at first, but his illness has kept him off the field.
That has created a platoon at first base this season that has included recent starter Kendry Morales, Quinlan, Kendrick and also Dallas McPherson. During his most recent rehab assignment, McPherson has been playing some first base.
With Kotchman becoming a more doubtful proposition to return this season, McPherson could be a future option there. The Angels prefer players that can move around to multiple positions, especially from their bench.
"If a guy is more versatile, there is more opportunity. Look at [Quinlan] and [Maicer Izturis]," Scioscia said. "That versatility will help Dallas and our lineup because we can use his power bat."
No news: Erstad returned from New York with no change in the diagnosis that he has a sore right ankle caused by bone spurs and years of wear and tear that has produced some arthritis, Scioscia said.
Erstad was seen in New York by foot specialist Dr. William Hamilton, who is the orthopedist for the New York City Ballet. The outfielder will not accompany the team on its upcoming road trip.

Source: http://angels.mlb.com/

Lackey's streak ends, as does Halos'

2006-07-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
ANAHEIM -- All things being equal, John Lackey will take the win.
And since there truly is no equal to "the W" in sports, Lackey was left at a loss -- literally.
The right-hander brought a scoreless innings streak with him into Wednesday's start and ran the string to 30 2/3 until Ben Broussard brought it to an abrupt close with a two-run, game-tying homer.
That blast helped fuel a five-run fifth by the Indians as the Angels went down to a 6-4 defeat on a warm afternoon that saw their winning streak end at eight games.
Lackey had a few words for himself as he walked around the mound after the 0-1 pitch to Broussard left the yard, but it wasn't about the streak which had become more annoyance than achievement for the starter.
"I couldn't care less about the scoreless innings streak," Lackey said. "I want to win; that tied the game, man."
It was the first loss in five starts for Lackey, who was clearly not as sharp as he's been. But the offense, which has been red-hot to match the heat wave sweeping most of the nation, can only look at missed opportunities as the Halos fell 1 1/2 games back of the A's in the American League West.
The Angels had nine hits, including another home run by Juan Rivera, who hit his eighth home run of July and 14th this season. But they stranded nine runners and went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position in a game that presented multiple opportunities against a familiar face.
Paul Byrd was pure to form Wednesday, allowing hits and putting runners on. But as he proved in an Angels uniform last season, he had command of the strike zone. He didn't walk a batter and allowed just three runs despite giving up 10 hits.
"Paul pitched like he did for us last year. He changed speeds and he used his defense," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He made some pitches to get off the hook, but that play [Casey] Blake made was huge."
That would be a diving grab of a sinking liner off the bat of Chone Figgins in the sixth. With two out and two on, Figgins pulled a shot down the right-field line that was certain to score two with a probable triple as the outcome, but Blake laid out to catch the ball and end the inning.
But as Byrd joked a day earlier, one run should have been enough for the Angels.
Lackey had tossed two complete-game shutouts in his two previous starts while recording at least 10 strikeouts in his last three outings. The last Angels starter to accomplish either of those feats was Mark Langston in the early '90s.
With a solid fastball location and a sharp breaking ball, Lackey had not allowed a run since the sixth inning of a June 26 home game against the Rockies. But his command was not the same Wednesday, and the Indians have a potent lineup.
Lackey put runners on the corners in the first inning but managed to strike out the side. He then loaded the bases in the second on a single, a double and a walk before fanning Blake to end the inning. He allowed two hits and a walk over the next two innings, but the inevitable was looming as he went increasingly to his slider.
The Angels staked Lackey to a 2-0 lead on Vladimir Guerrero's RBI single in the first and Rivera's solo homer in the fourth, but the scoreless ride for Lackey ended in the fifth.
After striking out Travis Hafner to open the inning, Lackey walked Victor Martinez on four pitches and left a two-seam fastball out over the plate for Broussard to hit for his 12th home run this season.
Ronnie Belliard then hit an infield single, but strained his left hamstring and left the game. Todd Hollandsworth doubled to left and Jhonny Peralta followed with a two-run single to right off Lackey. Joe Inglett then capped the inning with an RBI double to left to score Peralta and give the Indians a 5-2 advantage.
"I haven't caught him in a while, but his command seemed a little off," said Jose Molina, who started behind the plate. "But that is the game of baseball. Sometimes you have it, some times you don't."
The Angels have gone 13-2 in July to get back in the hunt in the American League West. They now head out on a 10-game road trip to face the Royals, Rays and Red Sox before returning home for six games with divisional rivals Oakland and Texas.
"We're definitely in the race; we're right there," Lackey said. "But I definitely think that other teams look at what we do because we've won it the last two years."

Source: http://angels.mlb.com/

Notes: Hillenbrand a possibility

2006-07-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

07/21/2006
KANSAS CITY -- The Angels have interest in Shea Hillenbrand, who was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Wednesday.
Hillenbrand was let go after a dispute with manager John Gibbons in a clubhouse meeting. The Blue Jays said Hillenbrand was designated for assignment "because of irreconcilable differences."
"I have no idea what went on there and I don't want to comment on it," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said before the game on Thursday with the Royals.
Scioscia did acknowledge the Angels have interest in Hillenbrand, who was hitting .301 with 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in 81 games with Toronto.
"I'm not going to say that his name has not been considered or is being considered," Scioscia said. "He's a guy who has always hit well, certainly the first half of the season. The second half maybe he hasn't been quite as strong. He's a veteran hitter that would bring out that presence."
The Angels are in search for offensive help. They entered Thursday 10th in the American League in hitting, .266 average, and slugging, .417, and 11th in on-base percentage, .326, and runs, 448.
Scioscia said adding Hillenbrand, who would likely play mostly at first base and some at DH, or some other bat is just part of the equation.
"You have to balance anytime you're going to make a change," Scioscia said. "Who are you taking [at-bats] away from? Are you going to be better? Are you moving ahead?"
He said "the whole picture," including defense, has to be considered.
"Right now we're focusing on defensive continuity, too. These are all things we've got to consider."
He noted adding Hillenbrand would take at-bats away from Kendry Morales, Robb Quinlan, Tim Salmon and possibly Dallas McPherson, who is on the disabled list with a bad back but is on a Minor League rehab assignment.
"One thing you don't want to do is erase the pieces that have provided an important role right now," Scioscia said.
General manager Bill Stoneman will be working the phones seeking help for the Angels before the July 31 trading deadline.
"If Bill sees a way to improve our club, he's going to pursue it," Scioscia said.
All systems go: Kelvim Escobar, who threw a bullpen session on Thursday, and rookie Jered Weaver are scheduled to start Saturday and Sunday for the final two games of the series at Kansas City.
Escobar went on the disabled list July 14 with right elbow irritation. Weaver was not placed on the disabled list, but skipped a start with tightness in his biceps.
The Angels took the cautionary route with Weaver.
"It is very likely something he could have pitched with, but I don't think we wanted to take that risk right now," Scioscia said. "He's going to throw more innings [this year] than he ever has in his life."
He said with the All-Star break and Weaver missing a start that they want him to "stay strong for what we hope is a pennant race."
Scioscia said putting Weaver on the disabled list would "be overkill," since that would have pushed his start back into the middle of next week.
Remembering Gubicza: Mark Gubicza, who finished his career with the Angels with two starts in 1997, will be inducted into the Royals' Hall of Fame on Friday.
Gubicza won 20 games for the Royals in 1988 and was a two-time All-Star selection. He ranks second on the Royals' all-time strikeout list with 1,366.
Angels pitching coach Buddy Black and Gubicza were teammates for several years, including the Royals' 1985 world championship season.
"He and Sabes [Bret Saberhagen] came up at the same time," Black said. "They both had that playfulness to them as young players, which was refreshing. Both of them really listened. Gubie had a great work ethic with good stuff. He had a good sinker, hard and low in the zone. He was very competitive. He wore his emotions on his sleeves when he pitched."
Roster move: After Thursday's game, the Angels called up right-hander Chris Bootcheck, who is 4-2 with a 6.61 ERA in 28 games, including five starts, with Triple-A Salt Lake. Bootcheck worked three scoreless innings in relief on Wednesday to pick up a win over Fresno. Bootcheck was up with the Angels earlier this season, appearing in one game and allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning.
To make room for Bootcheck on the roster, the Angels optioned outfielder Tommy Murphy to Salt Lake. Murphy hit .241 in 28 games with the Angels.
Minor points: Right-hander Nick Green (5-1, 4.53 ERA) pitched eight solid innings for Double-A Arkansas in a 6-3 victory over Tulsa. Green, a 2004 35th-round pick out of Darton College in Albany, Ga., allowed seven hits, struck out seven and walked none. ... C Jeff Mathis was 4-for-6 with two doubles and two RBIs as Triple-A Salt Lake defeated Fresno 7-6. Mathis drove in the winning run with a 10th inning double.

Source: http://angels.mlb.com/

Angels' defense costly in loss to Royals

2006-07-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

07/21/2006
KANSAS CITY -- This one came out of the blue, totally unexpected.
The Angels, who had won eight of the previous nine games, committed four errors and starter Ervin Santana walked a career-high eight batters and also had two wild pitches in 4 1/3 innings in a 9-4 loss to the Royals on Thursday night to open a 10-game road trip. The loss snapped the Angels' nine-game winning streak at Kansas City.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia knew exactly what to do with a game like this one.
"That might be one of the ones you definitely want to turn the page on, not only turn the page, but rip it out of the folder, crumple it up and throw it away," Scioscia said.
This one was definitely one to forget.
"We haven't had a game like that in a while," Scioscia said. "We've been playing great baseball. Tonight isn't really something that you would expect, but it happens. We'll move forward. We've been playing very sound, fundamental baseball for a long time now. This game we've just got to turn the page on."
Scioscia said Santana was "physically fine."
"He just had a problem getting the ball into good zones and after a while getting the ball over the plate," he said. "That was probably the most erratic any of us have seen him. He's got to turn the page, too. It's a tough start for him."
Santana, an 11-game winner who is 7-0 in his past nine starts, received a no-decision.
"Every day is not a happy day," Santana said. "Today was not my day. I was struggling with my performance. I don't have command of my fastball, my slider, nothing. I don't have nothing today. I try to keep battling and battling and do my best.
"No excuses. It is over now. You can't go back and let me do it again. You cannot."
Despite Santana's early problems, the Angels tied the score at 4 with a pair of runs in the fifth. Vladimir Guerrero had a two-run double, scoring Maicer Izturis, who had singled, and Orlando Cabrera, who was hit by a Jimmy Gobble pitch. Guerrero also had a run-producing single in the third. Howie Kendrick's double in the fourth scored Mike Napoli with the other Angels run.
The Angels had Guerrero at third and Juan Rivera, who had singled, at first with nobody out in the fifth, but didn't score another run to seize the lead. Napoli flied out to left, too shallow to score Guerrero. Garret Anderson then lined into an inning-ending double play.
"We had a great opportunity after we tied the game with runners on first and third," Scioscia said. "That could have put a different light on the game as we moved forward, but Elmer Dessens came in and did a great job to come in and get out of that inning and hold it as a tie game. If we grab the lead, obviously we are in a little better position to do something on the mound, but that wasn't the case. We've got to regroup and go after them tomorrow."
Kevin Gregg, the second of four Angels pitchers, was charged with the loss. Gregg gave up an unearned run in the sixth when the Angels committed three errors. They lead the American League with 77 errors.
Napoli was charged with catcher's interference in the sixth on a pitch out when Doug Mientkiewicz was swinging to protect the runner and made contact.
"I've got catcher's interference before, but never on a pitchout," Napoli said. "We just need to forget about this game. It's not fun playing games like this. You've just got to let it go, which I'm sure everybody in this clubhouse will."

Source: http://angels.mlb.com/

Molina, Quinlan lead the offense

2006-03-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
Angels at the plate: Jose Molina drove in three runs with a pair of doubles, and Robb Quinlan singled in two runs in the Angels' deciding four-run fourth inning. Vladimir Guerrero doubled and singled and Orlando Cabrera singled twice. Howie Kendrick singled in a run in the seventh.
Mariners at the plate: On a quiet day for the Mariners' offense, Jose Lopez singled in the team's first run in the second inning. Oswaldo Navarro had an RBI fielder's choice in the eighth. Kenji Johjima continued to swing a hot bat, notching singles in his first two at-bats. Richie Sexson came back from a day off because of a tight right quadriceps and singled in his first at-bat.
Angels on the mound: Ervin Santana was sharp, pitching four innings and giving up one run on four hits while striking out five and not walking a batter. Dustin Moseley was equally impressive, tossing three shutout frames of relief, surrendering one hit while striking out two.
Mariners on the mound: Gil Meche looked good in his return to the mound after missing the last two weeks because of an oblique strain on his left side. Meche pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three batters while only allowing one hit, a Guerrero double. Lefty Travis Blackley struggled, giving up four runs in the fourth inning.
Cactus League records: Angels 7-5; Mariners 4-7.
Up next: The Angels travel to Surprise, Ariz., on Tuesday to take on the Kansas City Royals, with right-hander Hector Carrasco getting the start against Royals righty Runelvys Hernandez. The Mariners will head out to HoHoKam Park in Mesa to take on the Cubs. Jesse Foppert will start and is scheduled to be followed by Bobby Livingston, George Sherrill, Luis Gonzalez and Francisco Cruceta.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Notes: Santana sliding through spring

2006-03-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- A productive offseason for Ervin Santana was apparent Monday afternoon.
With his slider and breaking ball working against the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex, Santana held the M's to one run on four hits through four innings in his third start of the spring, getting the win in the 6-3 game and improving to 2-0.
His slider is an improvement from last season, where he said it worked only "sometimes."
"But now every time when I go to pitch, I feel the difference," Santana said.
That difference didn't come from the help of Angels pitching coach Bud Black, either.
It came from hours of work this winter that provided a new-found control with his pitches.
On Monday, with everything working, he wanted to go more than four innings, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia wouldn't let him. However, the skipper was impressed with the location of Santana's fastball and breaking ball.
"Ervin had great stuff and had it in the zone," Scioscia said.
Goal oriented: Like many ballplayers, Santana set goals for the 2006 season, but he's staying mum on what they are.
Cy Young Award? "No."
Two-hundred strikeouts? "No."
Three-hundred? "No."
Thirty-five starts?
"I'm not going to tell you," he said.
Standing his ground, Santana said he'll share some insight on his progress during the All-Star break, but nothing until then.
Day to day: Garret Anderson's sore left heel has been progressing slowly, Scioscia said after Monday's game.
What was originally thought would keep Anderson out of the line up for a couple of days has lasted a week and could be longer. But Scioscia isn't concerned. If the injury takes a couple more days to heal, then so be it, he said.
Anderson has been taking batting practice and throwing, but there's no timetable for his return to the lineup.
"Even if he does miss a little time here, there's plenty of games left for him," Scioscia said. "He doesn't need that many at-bats."
Scoiscia couldn't pinpoint the exact time of Anderson's injury, but it began to flare up around last Tuesday. After improving for most of last week, it got stagnant late in the week, but improved again this past weekend.
The missed time won't impact Anderson's status for Opening Day on April 3 against Seattle. If this was the regular season, Scioscia said Anderson would be playing.
"Its moving in the right direction," he said. "However long it takes, it takes."
Trying his hardest: With his Angels' future not yet set in stone, Kendry Morales has been making strides to show Scioscia he's ready to be a big-league first baseman.
Offensively, Morales looks like he's already there.
On Monday, he upped his batting average to .423 with a 1-for-2 day with a walk.
Scioscia has been impressed with Morales' work ethic during camp. The 22-year-old has been putting in extra time with first-base coach Alfredo Griffin learning the nuances of the position. Already, Scioscia has seen the difference. Scioscia noticed that Morales is "getting more and more comfortable there, every time he's out there."
"I think that there's probably a role in our club that he might work his way into before his defense is where you are looking for it to be," Scioscia said. "Right now, we're excited about his upside and developing him to the max of his upside. If we have to adjust down from that, we will. He's making a lot of strides at first base."
Ouch: In the third inning Monday, Santana caught a line drive off the bat of the Mariners' Jeremy Reed, resulting in a bruised palm and wrist.
After he game Santana had ice on it, but didn't seem concerned. Scioscia said Santana was fine coming out of the game.
Reassigned: The Angels reassigned six pitchers to Minor League camp on Sunday. Tim Bittner, Dan Davidson, Matt Hensley, Tommy Mendoza, Alex Serrano were non-roster invitees and Steven Shell was on the 40-man roster.
Ripping it: Jose Molina hit two doubles and finished with three RBIs in a 2-for-3 day. ... After running for Orlando Cabrera in the fifth inning, Erick Aybar went 2-for-2 with a double and scored a run. ... Vladimir Guerrero went 2-for-3 with a double and a single, raising his average to .417 on the spring. ... Howie Kendrick continued to make a name for himself, coming off the bench in the seventh inning to go 1-for-2 with one RBI ... Robb Quinlan knocked in two runs with a double, going 2-for-4. ... Tim Salmon went 0-for-3 Monday. That's 0-for-7 for the last two games.
Up next: As the Angels go for their third win in a row, Hector Carrasco (0-0, 3.86 ERA) will take the mound against Kansas City's Runelvys Hernandez on Tuesday at 12:05 p.m. PT in Surprise, Ariz.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Colon's health carries weight

2006-03-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
Coming into Spring Training I remember reading about how Bartolo Colon was supposed to be in such great shape. It appears to me, however, that he hasn't really lost any weight at all. What's up? -- Riley A., Calgary
Colon is in better shape physically following a more regimented offseason training program, but he admitted he has not lost any weight. A bigger issue for both Colon and the Angels is the condition of his right shoulder and lower back. Neither has caused the right-hander any pain this spring or slowed him down.
Colon is further ahead than he has been in past springs and is showing it by pitching well in the World Baseball Classic. He must continue back exercises throughout the season to avoid the back spasms that plagued him at different points of last season. While his weight will always be a concern, the bigger issue is his overall conditioning, which is better this spring than it has been since he joined the Angels.
If Howie Kendrick is as "can't-miss" as has been advertised and he continues to hit in the spring, why don't the Angels play him at DH to start the year? I know that is a traditional power spot, but Kendrick would seem to fit right in with the Angels style of bunching hits and speed on the base paths as they manufacture runs. -- Michael H., East Brunswick, N.J.
The idea has been floated that Kendrick could help the Angels lineup as the designated hitter, but it is seen as more of a stopgap measure if the offense needs a jolt. If he is head and shoulders above the competition at Triple-A, then the Angels will certainly open up a spot for him, but there is a reluctance to bring him up solely to be the DH.
Kendrick has made great strides at second base and projects onto the Angels depth chart probably sooner than later given that Adam Kennedy will be in his walk year in 2006. But the Angels do not want to arrest Kendrick's development as a player by reducing him to purely an offensive role. His quickest route to the Majors at the moment will be as a second baseman and the organization will keep him there until other needs dictate a switch.
If Jeff Weaver signs with another club next year, will the Angels receive a high draft pick for compensation? Bonus Question: I hear over and over again that a player has a lifetime batting average of X, even when he has years left in him at the Major League level. So, how does one achieve a "lifetime" batting average with many more ABs remaining in his career?-- Ben N., La Palma, Calif.
The Angels will receive a compensation pick for Weaver if he does not re-sign with them and they offer him salary arbitration. His statistics will determine whether he is a Class A, B or C free agent. If Weaver is an A, for example, the Angels will get a first-round pick if he signs with a team that finishes with one of the 15 best records in 2006. If the signing team is in the bottom 15, the Angels would get a second-round pick. Teams that lose an A player also get a sandwich pick between Rounds One and Two.
The "lifetime" batting average is a bit of misnomer as if the numbers would be averaged over the person's whole life. It is more accurate to refer to it as a "career" batting average.
I know that Chone Figgins is penciled in as the starting third baseman, but he has been making lots of errors. Do you think Dallas McPherson has a chance to start at third?-- Israel O., La Habra, Calif.
McPherson definitely has a shot at the third baseman's job this season and has played well in the field so far this spring. The key for McPherson will be offense and health. He's showing signs of getting his timing back at the plate and his hip has not been slowing him down. If he improves his walk totals and regains his stroke to the point that he will add something to the lineup he will at least break with the club if not return to third.
I know Edgardo Alfonzo is playing for Venezuela in the WBC. If he plays well and shows that he has the ability to play every day what are the chances of him playing third base with the Angels? -- Roberto S., Zulia, Venezuela
Alfonzo will see time at both third base and second this season, but not as a starter. The Angels will use the veteran as a key reserve in the infield and also as a right-handed bat off the bench. Injuries, of course, would dictate changes and that could push Alfonzo into the lineup on a more regular basis. At this point, though, Alfonzo would slot behind both Figgins and McPherson at third base.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Angels quick hits

2006-03-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

03/12/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels have one goal in mind for the 2006 season, and that is a deep run into the postseason.
No American League West team has won three straight division crowns since the Oakland A's achieved the feat in 1990. The Angels have their sights set on taking the division for the third straight year and earning another World Series appearance.
Team strength: The Angels' drive for the postseason will be predicated on pitching once again. A solid rotation will be backed by a deep bullpen that will feature Francisco Rodriguez as closer with four available setup men.
Achilles heel: Power could be in short supply in a lineup that had only one hitter with more than 20 homers last season. A premium will be placed on aggressive baserunning and manufacturing runs.
Top newcomer: Jeff Weaver may not have been the most glamorous free-agent signing of the offseason, but the right-hander brings a veteran arm to the No. 5 slot. He also allows the Angels' younger pitchers to continue developing in the Minors.
Ready to make the leap: Casey Kotchman is moving into the starter's job at first, with Darin Erstad heading to the outfield. A natural hitter, Kotchman is in position to have an impact on the offense.
On the hot seat: Jose Molina and Jeff Mathis will combine to take over behind the plate for Bengie Molina, who departed to Toronto through free agency. Bengie Molina hit .295 with 15 homers last season.
You can bank on: Vladimir Guerrero has driven in at least 100 runs and slugged at least 30 homers in seven of the last eight seasons while hitting .300 or better in each of those years. There are no signs that he won't continue the pattern.
Litmus test: Barring significant injuries, the pitching staff will keep the Angels in the hunt all season. The question mark remains the offense, but if they improve their run production from a year ago, they will have an inside track to the postseason.
Games you don't want to miss: The A's will visit Anaheim for the first time on May 1-2 for a quick two-game set. If recent seasons are an indicator, the Angels may [x, then] be able to pick up games on the notoriously slow-starting Athletics.
To conclude Interleague Play, the Dodgers will visit Angel Stadium, June 30-July 2, to settle the battle of LA. In what should be a competitive AL West this season, the end of the regular season could decide the crown with Texas in town for three games, Sept. 25-27, and the A's closing the year with a four-game series, Sept. 28-Oct 1.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Kotchman not feeling pressured

2006-03-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Casey Kotchman doesn't have to play Lou Gehrig to Darin Erstad's Wally Pipp this season, but underlying expectations are there nonetheless.
It would also prove difficult to equal the historical significance of Gehrig's ascent all those years ago; after all, Erstad has been the Angels' regular first baseman for a grand total of three seasons, the last two years and also in 1997, his second as a pro. And yet, Kotchman is replacing a player who won a Gold Glove at first base and established an excellence, if not an attitude, at the position.
The hopeful eyes of an organization are on Kotchman this spring, an organization that needs him to flash the offensive skills that will earn him a spot on the Angels' Opening Day roster and push the veteran Erstad into center field.
"I don't feel any extra pressure," Kotchman said.
That claim reflects Kotchman's laconic demeanor, but it also illutrates the buffer that will exist between Kotchman and the expectations that are often placed on a fresh bat in the lineup.
In short, the Angels wil allow Kotchman to feel his way through his first full big-league season.
"We don't need Casey to do anything beyond what he is capable of doing," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We have plenty of guys that will be expected to carry the load."
Shouldering the offensive burden for the Angels in 2006 will be the usual suspects, with a slight tweak here and there.
Vladimir Guerrero returns to anchor the lineup with Garret Anderson also in the middle of the order. Chone Figgins will lead off with Orlando Cabrera batting second, Erstad sixth or seventh and Adam Kennedy in the nine hole.
Kotchman joins a familiar group that includes Dallas McPherson and Juan Rivera as candidates to inject some life into an offense that grew stale during stretches last season. But, while the Angels would like to see some power numbers out of McPherson and Rivera, they want Kotchman to just swing the bat.
That has never been a problem for Kotchman, the Angels' 13th overall pick in 2001 -- a year he hit .456 at Seminole High School in Florida and earned top high school player honors from Baseball America. He proceeded to go 5-for-5 in his first pro game and finished that season 20-for-37 in 11 games in rookie ball.
Kotchman suffered a wrist injury that year, a back injury in 2002 and then a hamstring tear in 2003 before finally appearing with the Angels for the first time in the 2004 season. He went on to set a new franchise mark for opening a big-league career with a streak of 48 consecutive plate appearances without striking out.
Despite having the hottest bat in camp last spring, Kotchman opened the season at Triple-A Salt Lake instead of with the Angels. His first stint with the big club then went poorly when he went hitless in 10 at-bats, which followed an uncharacteristically poor yet understandable slump in the Minors.
There were no struggles, though, when he returned to the Angels in August of last season. In 40 games, Kotchman hit .302 with seven homers and 22 RBIs. He started 22 games, some at DH, and did not commit an error in 20 appearances at first base.
The batting average was not a surprise, but the sudden power surge opened some eyes and quickened the pulse of those running the bench as well as the front office.
"He came on very strong for us in the second half of last season," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "We weren't expecting the power numbers, but we'll take it."
Kotchman hit as many as eight homers in 57 games at Rancho Cucamonga in 2003, but this spring he eased past the question about his burgeoning home run stroke as deftly as slicing a base hit to the opposite field.
"I didn't change anything," Kotchman said. "I guess I got a little more lift in my swing."
Guerrero and Anderson will be expected to provide the heavy lifting in the Angels' lineup, while the players who make up the rest of the order will simply be asked to play to their respective strengths.
For Kotchman, that translates into hitting the ball where it is pitched and not trying to overpower it. Anything more would be asking too much.
"It would be unfair to say Casey has to hit 25 [homers] and drive in 85 runs," Anderson said. "That's unfair because he hasn't done it up here. So you just have to take what you can get from certain guys at certain positions because he doesn't have a history. And I'm not just picking on him; he's just the first person that came to mind. He doesn't have a lot of at-bats and hasn't played every day up here all year, so you can't put too much on him at all."
The A's are the trendy pick by some to win the AL West, a forecast that says as much about the Angels not adding a significant bat as it does about any appreciable improvements within the division.
But in failing to find the right deal in the offseason, the Angels have handed the at-bats to players like Kotchman, who now has the opportunity to put his mark on the ballclub and create separation from those who came before him.
"I can't change anything, and I can't control anything," Kotchman said. "All I can do is take the field every day and play."
And that is all anyone needs to hear.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Angels now reload rather than rebuild

2006-03-16T08:27:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
When the Arte Moreno era began for the Angels, the club was coming off its first World Series, yet still seemed to be always struggling to keep up with the Joneses, even within the American League West.
When Moreno assumed ownership, he made it clear from the beginning that, to him, keeping up with the Joneses didn't just mean competing in the division or even comparing favorably with that team in blue up the road.
It meant keeping up with the very best baseball has to offer. Moreno often brought up the Yankees, an organization with decades more tradition and 25 more World Series titles than the Angels, as the standard by which he would judge his franchise.
By any measure, being the very best was the goal.
In the two full seasons under Moreno's ownership, the Angels have been just that within the AL West, but they have fallen short each time of taking it to the ultimate level, as the upstart club of 2002 did. Then again, even the franchises seen by many as the best of the best -- the Yankees, for instance -- haven't always been the best in October.
Nowadays, keeping up with the Angels is a tough enough task. They have become the Joneses, and they now have to live up to their own success.
With back-to-back division titles in their back pocket for the first time in franchise history, the Angels head into the 2006 season with high expectations inspired by an intact core of the star players who led them to those consecutive titles.
Garret Anderson, Darin Erstad and Adam Kennedy have been on hand since the glory days of '02 and through the two title runs. Starter John Lackey is coming off a career year, and Francisco Rodriguez and Scot Shields will still be on hand to protect leads late in the game.
So, the Angels have had reasonable continuity over the last several years. Sure, they've also had some big departures -- namely, shortstop David Eckstein and third baseman Troy Glaus prior to '05. They've instilled some youth into the mix in the last year, bringing first baseman Casey Kotchman into the fold and giving Dallas McPherson a shot at third, albeit one that got off to a stumbling start. And Chone Figgins has gone from a nice utility guy to one of the most dangerous leadoff men in the game, good enough that he's blocking McPherson's path at third.
Meanwhile, the acquisitions the Angels made in recent winters were huge -- as in MVP and Cy Young huge -- with Vladimir Guerrero and Bartolo Colon setting down roots at the Big A and shortstop Orlando Cabrera joining them last year.
This year, the changes were fewer and less dramatic. In the end, the main acquisitions were Edgardo Alfonzo in a change-of-scenery swap for Steve Finley and, very late in the game, the signing of Jeff Weaver to join the rotation.
How will it all add up? There are many factors involved there, not the least of which is the fact that the AL West, always a competitive division, is likely to be tougher this year than last. The A's added some big pieces to a surprisingly strong puzzle in an '05 season that was supposed to be a transition year, and the Rangers have added starting pitching that might support their usual offensive juggernaut more successfully than in years past.
The Angels, in a tone set by manager Mike Scioscia and preached by Anderson, Erstad and Co., don't compare one year to the next -- or compare themselves to other teams. They just go out to play and see how it turns out.
But for those on the outside looking in, the Angels are now the Joneses -- and it's about the Angels keeping up with themselves these days.
Now that they've set such a high standard, each year presents another, bigger challenge: to meet and exceed that level of success. Nobody expected the 2002 team to reach, much less win, the World Series. Yet, in each of the last two years, nobody would have been surprised if they'd gone all the way in October -- and few will be surprised if they do so this season. It's a different landscape.
The expectations are high under the halo, higher with each passing season. That's what happens when you do more, when you put yourself in the class of the ultra-elite, when you bring in the best of the best players.
You do that, and you should be expected to compete at the highest level and for the highest prize.
Certainly, 2006 is no exception to that rule.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Angels outscore Royals in slugfest

2006-03-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

03/14/2006
Angels at the plate: Jeff Mathis hit a solo shot in the top of the second, his first home run of the spring. Kendry Morales drilled a bases-clearing triple in the fifth and later doubled. Curtis Pride added a two-run homer in the top of the sixth.
Royals at the plate: Kerry Robinson singled and scored while Chip Ambres singled and scored on Aaron Guiel's double in the bottom of the first. Chad Allen drove in Paul Bako with a double and scored on Joe McEwing's RBI single in the second.
Angels on the mound: Hector Carrasco started and allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over three innings. The right-hander also struck out one.
Royals on the mound: Runelvys Hernandez allowed two runs, one earned, on a hit and two walks over 3 1/3 innings. He struck out two.
Cactus League records: Angels 8-5; Royals 6-5.
Up next: The Angels will host the Rangers at 1:05 p.m. MT on Wednesday with right-hander John Lackey starting against Texas right-hander R.A. Dickey. The Royals will visit Peoria to take on the Mariners at 1:05 p.m. MT. Right-hander Joe Mays will face Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Notes: Anderson sidelined

2006-03-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

03/14/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Angels' starting outfield was placed in limbo Tuesday following the diagnosis of Garret Anderson's sore left foot.
The left fielder was examined in Los Angeles by foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Phil Kwong, who determined Anderson has a strained plantar fascia: a tendon-like band of tissue that encapsulates the muscles and connects from the heel to the ball of the foot. Anderson returned to camp Tuesday afternoon and has been listed as day-to-day.
Less than three weeks remain before the start of the regular season but the club remains cautiously optimistic Anderson will be ready when it opens in Seattle on April 3.
"He doesn't need many at-bats but he is going to have to get out there and play," manager Mike Scioscia said. "It is going to take a little bit of time. There is a little bit of buffer."
Anderson is 2-for-6 with a home run in three games this spring but he has not played in more than a week. Last season, knee and back ailments limited Anderson to 142 games when he hit .283 and was second on the club behind Vladimir Guerrero with 17 homers and 96 RBIs.
The Angels prefer that Anderson play in the outfield, a position where he has traditionally put up better offensive numbers. More than a quarter of Anderson's at-bats last season came as the designated hitter but he managed just a .199 average with one homer and 15 RBIs. Over his career, Anderson has hit .278 with 11 homers and 67 RBIs as a DH.
Juan Rivera would be the leading candidate in left with Chone Figgins being another strong possibility if Anderson is unable to play. Rivera is currently playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Ready to work: The injury to Anderson could have a trickle effect for Kendry Morales, who will not go quietly this spring. With a pair of hits in Tuesday's 10-7 win over the Royals, Morales is hitting .433 and leading the Angels with six extra-base hits and eight RBIs.
The first baseman is still adjusting to breaking pitches, but he appears readily comfortable in hitting the fastball. Morales cleared the bases in the top of the fifth Tuesday with a triple into the right-center gap and then legged out a double down the right-field line when he slid around the tag at second.
"Part of it is showing I'm ready, but the other part is this is a good experience," Morales said through an interpreter. He also said the velocity is similar at the Major League level but the pitchers are much smarter and has been making the adjustments.
Last spring, the Angels left behind their hottest hitter when Casey Kotchman opened the year at Triple-A. That fate could also await Morales, but the Angels are leaving the door open that he might play, though it wouldn't simply be as a pinch-hitter.
"If there is a role on our club, then we will strongly consider it," Scioscia said. "If he is going to stay with us, it will not be swinging the bat just once a week."
Bring it down: Hector Carrasco made his third start of the spring Tuesday and continued to struggle with the elevation of his pitches.
The right-hander allowed four runs on five hits over three innings. He also walked two and said he's been overthrowing all spring.
"I feel way too strong and that is why I am overthrowing," Carrasco said. "That is what happened last time. I have to cool down a little bit."
Carrasco figures into the Angels' rotation depth this spring as a possible No. 6 starter in the event one of their five regulars is unable to go. He finished last season in Washington's rotation but will be happy with any assignment he draws with the Angels this season.
"I'm so excited that I'm with a new team," Carrasco said. "I'm trying to show everyone that I throw hard. But, I have to work on my location."
Back in action: Dallas McPherson returned to the field Tuesday for the first time since March 6. The third baseman has been out of action with a right oblique strain and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout. McPherson has one hit this spring in eight at-bats.
Sent down: Right-handers Nick Adenhart, Jose Arredondo and Bob Zimmermann, and catchers Brenton Del Chiaro and Brett Martinez were reassigned to Minor League camp.
Asides: Brandon Wood hit his first home run of the spring, a solo, opposite-field shot to right-center. It was also Wood's first hit. ... With Darin Erstad getting a day off, Figgins started in center field and went 0-for-2 but scored twice. ... Jeff Mathis drilled his first home run of the spring and also doubled. ... Chris Bootcheck increased his scoreless innings streak this spring to seven.
On deck: The Angels will host the Rangers at 12:05 p.m. PT on Wednesday with right-hander John Lackey scheduled to face Texas right-hander R.A. Dickey. Right-hander Jeff Weaver is set to start Thursday at home against the Cubs.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Angels go downtown for Lackey

2006-03-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
Rangers at the plate: Kevin Mench knocked in Joaquin Arias with a double to left and Brad Wilkerson plated two runs with a single to center. Ian Kinsler homered to center in the sixth.
Angels at the plate: Vladimir Guerrero knocked in a run in the third with a base hit and hit a solo home run in the fifth. In the fourth, Tim Salmon and Darin Erstad led off the inning with walks and Casey Kotchman followed with a three-run shot, his second home run of the spring. Orlando Cabrera hit a two-run homer.
Rangers on the mound: R. A. Dickey tossed two perfect innings before allowing five runs on five hits and three walks. The right-hander went a total of four innings and struck out one. Antonio Alfonseca allowed three runs on four hits, two of which were homers, in one inning.
Angels on the mound: John Lackey tossed three scoreless innings and allowed two baserunners, one on an error by Maicer Izturis and another on Kinsler's single. Lackey also struck out one. Brendan Donnelly did not allow a run but walked three in one inning of relief.
Cactus League records: Rangers 5-7; Angels 9-5.
Up next: The Rangers will host the Giants at 2:05 p.m. CT on Thursday, with right-hander Kameron Loe scheduled to face San Francisco right-hander Kevin Correia. The Angels will host the Cubs at 12:05 p.m. PT on Thursday. Right-hander Jeff Weaver is slated to go against Chicago left-hander Rich Hill.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Notes: No date for Anderson's return

2006-03-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- It's hurry-up-and-wait time for Garret Anderson.
With Tuesday's diagnosis by Dr. Phil Kwong in Los Angeles, Anderson is aware that he has a strained plantar fascia (arch) in his left foot. When he will be able to return, however, is uncertain.
"I'm not thinking about it," Anderson said of playing. "I'm not at the point where I'm doing anything about thinking what I have to do [to get ready]. I just want to get into good physical health."
Anderson said he has not had a similar injury before, but it has bothered him for the past week. He has been given no timetable for how long it might take and is currently receiving a general course of treatment that includes ice, stretching and anti-inflammatory drugs. Normal recovery time is about two weeks.
The 33-year-old went on the disabled list for the first time in 2004 when he missed 43 games for undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis in his upper back. Anderson also missed 20 games last season for a lower back strain and tendinitis in his left knee. Anderson said the injuries are not related, but both he and the club will proceed slowly.
The window is getting tighter, though, for Anderson to get ready for Opening Day in Seattle on April 3. There are 18 games remaining this spring, including the Freeway Series with the Dodgers and one split-squad date March 30.
Anderson would not put a figure on how many at-bats he will need to get comfortable at the plate, but 40 is generally recognized as a minimum. He did have an opinion, though, on where he wants to play.
"I don't think about DHing," Anderson said. "I think about playing my position, and that is left field."
Back on track: John Lackey was much sharper in his second spring start.
The right-hander walked four in one inning of work last Friday against the Cubs, but Wednesday he tossed three scoreless innings while allowing a hit and a walk in the Angels' 8-5 win over the Rangers.
"I could tell warming up that I felt stronger," said Lackey, who was slowed by right shoulder stiffness earlier in camp. "I felt like [the ball] was coming out of my hand good today. That was a good sign."
Lackey was close to normal velocity, but said his curveball is not as sharp as he would like. After throwing 39 pitches in the game, Lackey went to the bullpen to bring his pitch count to an even 50. He also said he is confident he will open the season on schedule.
Welcome back: With Venezuela's elimination from the World Baseball Classic, right-handers Kelvim Escobar and Francisco Rodriguez, infielder Edgardo Alfonzo and outfielder/DH Juan Rivera will be returning to camp.
Escobar took the loss in the 2-1 defeat to the Dominican Republic when he allowed an unearned run on Ramon Hernandez's passed ball in the seventh inning Tuesday. Alfonzo and Rivera should return to action immediately, while the club will evaluate the pitchers when they arrive Thursday, specifically Escobar.
"We'll see how he feels when he comes back. There are a couple of things penciled in. He can throw in 4-5 days or we can get him re-acclimated," manager Mike Scioscia said of Escobar. "He got stretched out [in the Classic]. He showed that he can do that."
Sent down: Shortstop Brandon Wood, right-hander David Austen and catchers Bobby Wilson and Michael Collins were reassigned to Minor League camp.
Wood came into camp with a bit of fanfare. Not only was he the Angels' co-Minor League Player of the Year last year along with Howie Kendrick, but his power and size have drawn comparisons to Cal Ripken Jr.
He went just 1-for-10 in nine spring games but left an impression as he homered in his last at-bat, an opposite-field shot at Surprise Stadium, the same ballpark where he played this fall in the Arizona Fall League. Wood also won over the staff with his attitude.
"Out of all the youngsters we had in camp, he was the most impressive in a lot of ways," Scioscia said. "The way he carried himself and the way he was in camp. He and Erick Aybar showed they can be Major League shortstops. [Wood] has the chance to be a terrific defensive shortstop."
Asides: Vladimir Guerrero launched his first home run of the spring, a solo shot to left. Casey Kotchman and Orlando Cabrera also homered Wednesday. ... Brendan Donnelly walked three batters, his first walks in five innings this spring. ... Joe Saunders allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks in three innings.
On deck: The Angels will host the Cubs at 12:05 p.m. PT on Thursday, with right-hander Jeff Weaver scheduled to face Chicago left-hander Rich Hill. Jered Weaver is slated to start against the A's on Friday in Phoenix.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Morales making powerful impression

2006-03-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Once considered a "can't-miss" Major League prospect, Kendry Morales is quickly moving into the "can't-ignore" class.
The 22-year-old is showing the offensive skills this spring for the Angels that vaulted him into legendary status as a mere teenager in his native Cuba. Morales is also demonstrating that his future may not solely rest on his ability to swing a bat as he works to improve his defensive fundamentals around the bag at first base.
Morales, though, is just pleased with the opportunity.
"I feel that I am ready," Morales said through an interpreter. "But [Spring Training] is a good experience."
Morales is hitting .406 this spring and leads the Angels in doubles, extra-base hits and total bases. None of which comes as a surprise, exactly, but the pace at which he grows comfortable with the next level of pitching has been impressive.
"Good hitters make adjustments and he has been making adjustments," hitting coach Mickey Hatcher said. "You don't do that, you're not going to survive at this level, but he's been doing that."
Morales has been making impressions ever since he landed on American soil.
After joining Class A Rancho Cucamonga last May 21, Morales drilled the second pitch he saw for a home run. In 22 games for the Quakes, he hit .344 with five homers and 17 RBIs to earn a promotion to Double-A.
That step slowed his progress, initially. Through 12 games, Morales was hitting just .156 without a home run, but a big night against San Antonio changed all that when he exploded for a three-home run and five RBIs.
Morales homered in four straight games from July 30-Aug. 3 and later in August, he embarked on a 15-game hitting streak that helped him earn organizational Player of the Month honors. He ended his year at Arkansas hitting .306 with 17 homers and 54 RBIs.
But his year wasn't done. Morales hit .380 in 14 Arizona Fall League games and led the developmental circuit with 14 doubles.
All of which served as a ringing endorsement for the Angels' six-year deal they signed him to on Dec. 1, 2004. Again, no surprise, as it came on a resume built during his playing days in Cuba.
Morales hit .330 during his career there and became the first teen since Omar Linares in the 1980s to play for the Cuban national team when he suited up in 2002. During the 2002-03 season, Morales hit .391 with nine homers and 42 RBIs for Industriales and then starred in the Baseball World Cup by hitting a grand slam as Cuba claimed the gold medal with a victory in the final over Taiwan.
Still, the number that might be the most impressive is nine, which is the number of times it took Morales to successfully defect to the U.S. He did not play at all in 2004 after being banned by the Cuban government following his attempts to leave the country.
When Morales finally did get out of Cuba by boat, his ordeal was not quite over as he waited to establish residency in the Dominican Republic and become a citizen there before gaining legal entrance to the U.S. By the time he arrived last year, Spring Training was over and he was sent to Rancho Cucamonga.
Now the burgeoning offensive phenom, whom the Angels have followed since he was 16, is living up to the hype and presenting the club with a decision, if not some interesting options.
"He's definitely put himself on our depth chart," manager Mike Scioscia said. "If he is a part of our best lineup and our best offense, he will be a part of our ballclub."
Morales is being considered for a possible DH role and back up at first base. Currently Juan Rivera is the leading candidate for DH, with Dallas McPherson as a left-handed option if he doesn't win the third baseman's job. But McPherson is 1-for-9 this spring and is trying to return from hip surgery that has been complicated recently by a right oblique strain.
Also in the DH mix are Tim Salmon and Robb Quinlan. Salmon is hitting .360 in nine spring games but is no longer an option in the outfield. Quinlan is hitting just .231 in 10 games, but he can play as many as four positions.
Morales played third and the outfield and even pitched once for Cuba, but the Angels are working him exclusively at first where they believe his skills are most suited and will allow him the quickest advancement to the Majors.
"I have been very impressed with his work ethic and dedication to become better at his position," said Minor League roving infield instructor Rob Picciolo. "The one thing he must improve on is consistency, make the plays on a daily basis. But I see improvement in almost every area."
Morales will not cause anyone to forget about Casey Kotchman or Darin Erstad at first, but he is gaining the trust of the club that he can play the position adequately.
The recent setback to Garret Anderson, who has a strained left arch, has also put Morales in a better position for a team that is still in need of some offensive punch. The Angels are not about to be blinded by his sparking spring numbers but find them encouraging nonetheless.
"I've seen guys hit .900 in Spring Training and when the lights go on, they struggle," Hatcher said. "The challenge is when opposing pitchers start turning it up a notch. But there is not a guy in this room that doesn't believe he can't handle the challenge."
The likely destination for Morales has been Triple-A, but the young hitter is showing that he aspires to a higher level and that might be sooner than expected.
"What kind of role he is able to forge, we will have to see," Scioscia said. "There is still time."
Time and place are two luxuries which Morales can now afford to enjoy.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/

Salmon heading to Spring Training

2006-02-24T06:28:00.000-08:00

01/06/2006
The Angels extended invitations to attend Spring Training to 21 non-roster players Friday.
The group includes veteran outfielder Tim Salmon, pitcher Jered Weaver and shortstop Brandon Wood, the organization's co-Minor League player of the year. Pitchers and catchers are due to report Feb. 15 with the first workout set for the next day. Position players will report Feb. 20 with the first full-squad workout scheduled for the following day.
A total of 12 pitchers have been invited, along with five catchers, two infielders and two outfielders.
Salmon spent all of the 2005 season rehabbing from a pair of surgeries, one to his left shoulder and another to his left knee. The 37-year-old is hoping to provide an answer for the Angels as a right-handed power DH. Salmon last appeared in 2004 when he hit .253 with two homers and 23 RBIs in 60 games. Salmon is the franchise leader with 290 homers.
Weaver heads to camp more than just a hopeful as he will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation primarily with Hector Carrasco, Kevin Gregg, Joe Saunders and Chris Bootcheck.
The Angels' first pick of the 2004 draft, Weaver was a combined 7-4 with a 3.91 ERA in 15 starts last year over two Minor League stops. The right-hander also made a good showing in the Arizona Fall League.
Wood led the entire Minor Leagues by hitting 43 homers at Class A Rancho Cucamonga last season. Wood also tied the California League lead with 115 RBIs and was tops in the circuit with 50 doubles, 109 runs scored and a .667 slugging percentage.
Selected first by the Angels in 2003, Wood hit 14 homers to set a new AFL mark this past fall.
Also invited to Spring Training were right-handed pitchers Matt Hensley, Dustin Moseley, Bob Zimmermann, Nicholas Adenhart, David Austen, Tommy Mendoza and Alex Serrano, and left-handed pitchers Tim Bittner, Nathan Bland, Dan Davidson and Jon Rouwenhorst.
Outfielder Curtis Pride will return and infielder Brian Specht also returns to big-league camp.
The five catchers are Ryan Budde, Michael Collins, Brent Del Chiaro, Brett Martinez and Bobby Wilson.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Many Angels see winter action

2006-02-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

01/06/2006
Spring Training is still six weeks away, but some familiar names have been staying loose in winter ball.
In Venezuela, Kelvim Escobar, Francisco Rodriguez, Juan Rivera and Maicer Izturis have all been active in their home country. Catcher Jose Molina is playing in Puerto Rico.
The Angels gave Rodriguez permission this offseason to pitch winter ball, an activity the team's closer feels he needs to stay sharp. But they imposed limits of one inning per appearance for a maximum of three per week and never on consecutive days.
In nine appearances for Tiburones, Rodriguez has posted an 0-1 record and a 5.59 ERA with four saves. The young right-hander has also struck out 11 batters over 9 2/3 innings. Last season for the Angels, his first as full-time closer, Rodriguez converted 45 saves in 49 opportunities.
Returning to the rotation in 2006 will be Escobar, who made three trips to the disabled list last season before undergoing surgery to his right elbow. The right-hander returned in September to make 15 relief appearances and went 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA to close out the regular season. He then went 1-2 with a 1.59 ERA in six relief appearances in the postseason.
Escobar has appeared in one game for Cardenales this winter and has given up a home run.
Rivera, who could see plenty of time at designated hitter and in the outfield next season, is proving his offensive worth by hitting .410 in 27 games. He also has six doubles, a triple and four homers with 21 RBIs while posting a 1.079 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging).
Izturis, who again will be called on to back up in the middle of the infield and provide relief at third base for the Angels, is hitting .278 in 27 games for Pastora with five doubles, a triple, homer and 10 RBIs.
Infield prospect Alberto Callaspo is having a solid winter season playing for Caribes. Callaspo is hitting .304 with eight doubles, three homers and 24 RBIs in 55 games with a.370 on-base percentage.
Callaspo's double-play partner is doing well in the Dominican Republic. With Cibao, Erick Aybar hit .325 during the regular season. In eight games for Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League, catcher Mike Napoli hit .360 with a pair of doubles and pair of homers with eight RBIs.
Molina, the likely starting catcher now that his brother, Bengie, left the Angels via free agency, has played in 27 games with Ponce and is hitting .281 with two doubles, a triple and homer while knocking in 10 runs. Jose Molina has also appeared twice at first base.
Also in Puerto Rico, new left-handed setup man J.C. Romero is 1-1 with one save and a 1.56 ERA in 13 appearances for Carolina. Over 17 1/3 innings, Romero has 15 strikeouts and seven walks.
Scott Dunn never made it to the big-league roster last season, but he's pitching in Puerto Rico, where he has an 0- 2 mark and a 10.50 ERA in seven relief appearances.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Legendary USC coach Dedeaux dies

2006-02-24T06:19:00.000-08:00

01/06/2006
LOS ANGELES -- Rod Dedeaux, who achieved the same acclaim as a college baseball coach at the University of Southern California that his friend John Wooden did in college basketball across town at UCLA, died Thursday. He was 91.
Dedeaux, who coached the Trojans for 45 years before retiring in 1986, died at a hospital in Glendale, Calif., of complications from a stroke that he had on Dec. 2, confirmed a release sent out by USC. In his long tenure with the university, Dedeaux coached the Trojans to a record 11 NCAA baseball championships and was a major influence on a who's-who list of future Major League stars who played for him, including Mark McGwire, Tom Seaver, Randy Johnson, Fred Lynn, Ron Fairly and Roy Smalley.
"He was my best friend and I miss him already," said a very somber Tommy Lasorda, who had been close to Dedeaux for more than 40 years. "He was my mentor and my idol and he meant everything to me, and I'm going to miss him very, very much."
Born Raoul Martial Dedeaux in New Orleans, he moved to California as a youngster. He played three seasons for Southern California, and after being scouted by his mentor, Casey Stengel, Dedeaux appeared in two games at shortstop for the 1935 Brooklyn Dodgers, going 1-for-4 with an RBI. "Just going into Ebbets Field was an exciting thing," said Dedeaux in an interview with MLB.com in September 2005. "I just loved those fans there and that was important to me. Unfortunately, I had gotten hurt earlier and was playing under quite a bit of pain, and it never bothered me to this day that I didn't have a longer career in the big leagues."
A back injury ended his career several years later. He founded Dart Transportation Inc. in the 1930s, and it grew into a highly successful trucking business. It was said that Dedeaux took almost no salary when he came back to USC in 1942 as an assistant coach and continued that practice when he became the head baseball coach in 1950.
"He was the greatest ambassador you'd ever want to find for college baseball and the University of Southern California," said Lasorda, who as both a coach and a manager with the Dodgers in the 1970s and early 1980s, would always start the baseball season in early February with an exhibition game between the Dodgers and Trojans at Dodger Stadium. "He was a Trojan through and through."
Dedeaux had winning seasons in 41 of his 45 years with the Trojans, and during one stretch, USC went 37 years without a losing season. The Trojans' National Championships included five in a row from 1970-74 -- no other school has won more than two straight -- and the team won 28 conference titles under him. His players showed their respect for him in 2004 with a surprise party to celebrate his 90th birthday.
"It was overwhelming to me," said Dedeaux. "I thought it was going to be just another small reunion, as we had done in the past with alumni games. We had won a championship in 1958, and I thought the players from that year would be there -- well, I think 250 guys showed up and it thrills me to think of it now. Tom Seaver was in from New York, and one player came in from Japan, and the other fellows who came in from all over the country. It really was exciting."
Dedeaux was beloved by not only the players who played for him, but by those who played against him, as well.
"We played against him in the College World Series in 1973," said Hall of Famer Dave Winfield. "That team eliminated my team, Minnesota. I was MVP of the game -- they had one of the biggest comebacks in the history of the series and we used to kid about it all the time. He was a great man, a great coach -- what a legacy.
"I knew he was ailing the past few years, but we'd always have a good laugh when we saw each other, and when I get home tonight I'm going to pull out the photo of the two of us together. He was a treasure."
Dedeaux also blazed a trail in international baseball as the coach of the first U.S. Olympic baseball team in 1984 that had future Major Leaguers McGwire and Will Clark playing for him at the games, played in Los Angeles.
"He did a tremendous job building a bridge between the United States and the world," said Lasorda. "He was an icon."
Since his retirement as a coach, Dedeaux would spend a great deal of time with Lasorda at Dodger Stadium and attended games at Dedeaux Field on the campus of USC. Never very good at remembering names, he called everyone "Tiger." Holding his cane, made up like a baseball bat, the old coach was always ready to tell a story, or two, or three.
"When I walked into the house tonight my wife Jo said, 'You're really gonna miss him,'" said Lasorda. "She knows how much I loved the guy. She knows how much time we were together, and I told her, 'There will never be another one like him.'"

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Angels name 2006 Minor League staff

2006-02-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

01/08/2006
The Angels named their Minor League coaching staff for 2006 on Monday, with former catcher Brian Harper taking over the managerial reins in Salt Lake.
Joining Harper is former big-league pitcher Charles Nagy, who will be the Triple-A pitching coach, while former Angels outfielder Eric Owens is the new hitting coach at Class A Cedar Rapids and former Angels pitcher Ken Patterson will be the pitching coach at Double-A Arkansas. Harper replaces Dino Ebel, who is the new third base coach for the Angels.
In addition to Salt Lake, Arkansas and Cedar Rapids, the Angels' Minor League affiliates in 2006 will be Rancho Cucamonga (High Class A) and the Orem Owlz (rookie level) of the Pioneer League. The Angels will also field rookie teams in the Arizona League (at the new Minor League complex in Tempe) and the Dominican Summer League (San Pedro de Macoris).
Tyrone Boykin moves up to Arkansas after two seasons at Rancho Cucamonga and Bobby Magallanes will return for his third season at Cedar Rapids. Charlie Romero, who oversees the Angels' Dominican complex, will again manage the Angels' Dominican Summer League team that captured the 2005 San Pedro Division championship.
Bobby Mitchell, who spent the last three seasons as the Angels roving infield/baserunning instructor, will take over as manager at Rancho Cucamonga. Ever Magallanes, the older brother of Bobby Magallanes, joins the Angels as the manager of the Arizona League rookie affiliate in Tempe.
Keith Comstock replaces Mike Butcher as the roving pitching instructor. Comstock was the pitching coach at Arkansas last season while Butcher has taken the pitching coach position with Tampa Bay. Todd Takayoshi, Arkansas' hitting coach last season, has been appointed the roving catching instructor to take the place of Bobby Ramos, who also joins Tampa Bay.
Former Padres third base coach Rob Picciolo has been named roving infield instructor and veteran Major League infielder Craig Grebeck has been promoted to hitting coach at Rancho Cucamonga after spending 2005 at Mesa.
Other Minor League coaching positions named for this season include: Jim Eppard, Salt Lake hitting coach; Keith Johnson, Arkansas hitting coach; Erik Bennett, Rancho Cucamonga pitching coach; and Tom Kotchman, Orem manager.
Ty Van Burkleo will remain as the roving hitting instructor, Bruce Hines will be the field coordinator/outfield while Bill Lachemann returns as special assignment catching instructor.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Can Salmon provide pop?

2006-02-24T06:14:00.000-08:00

01/09/2006
I have been an Angels fan since Gene Autry. Tim Salmon has been one of my favorites. What are his chances of making a comeback and grabbing the DH role?-- Fred M., Slate Springs, Miss.
Salmon, given a non-roster invite to Spring Training last week, would provide a simple solution to the Angels' problem of sufficient right-handed power to protect Vladimir Guerrero in the middle of the lineup. But his two surgeries, a year out of the lineup and his age all add up to a tough assignment for the longtime Angel.
The 37-year-old must first prove he can still play on consecutive days without pain and discomfort. Salmon had surgeries to both his left shoulder and left knee, which puts added pressure to the front side of his swing. Behind him, though, is a group of much younger players for whom the club is trying to find playing time. This includes Juan Rivera and Casey Kotchman, with Kendry Morales ready to make a run at a roster spot.
Also, with the acquisition of third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo, Dallas McPherson will get some consideration at designated hitter to get his bat in the lineup. Salmon will get his shot, but he won't be the leading candidate.
When the Angels traded for J.C. Romero they designated Josh Paul for assignment. With Paul and Bengie Molina gone, and Jeff Mathis probably making the big-league roster, who will be the third catcher? Could Mike Napoli be promoted? -- Greg W., Aliso Viejo, Calif.
The Angels are one of the few Major League teams to carry three catchers and currently Napoli is No. 3 on the club's 40-man roster. Don't look for Napoli to spend much time on the big-league roster, though, unless he outplays Mathis this spring. It is highly unlikely the club would carry two rookie catchers next season, so one of the two will head to the Minors so that he can play every day.
At this point, that would appear to be Napoli. Although he led the Double-A Texas League with 31 home runs and 99 RBIs last season, the Angels would prefer he move up to Triple-A for another year of development. Mathis spent all of last season with Salt Lake, where he was the club's only postseason All-Star selection and is a primary reason why the Angels elected to not re-sign Molina.
Look for the Angels to sign a player like Paul, a guy with Major League catching experience, to compete for the third spot, or they might sign a bench player or everyday bat with significant time behind the plate.
Are the Angels planning to take some of the money they saved this winter and extend Kelvim Escobar's contract, as well as lock up John Lackey, Scot Shields, Chone Figgins, and Rivera for a few more years? With the cost of arbitration or free agent replacements so high, this would seem to be a sound financial move.-- Josh C., Socorro, N. M.
A lot will depend on how Escobar performs this spring and during the upcoming season. The right-hander made only seven starts last year, but returned from elbow surgery to close out a strong September. A case could be made that the Angels would be better off with Escobar remaining in the bullpen, but he'll be back in the rotation.
The 2006 season will be a contract year for Escobar and all indications point to a solid campaign. He was pain free over his 15 relief appearances following his surgery in 2005, and if Bartolo Colon pitches incident free -- he suffered from both back and shoulder problems last year -- the Angels will have a strong rotation with both Lackey and Ervin Santana returning. Escobar can help himself by getting out of the gate quickly.
The Angels have expressed interest in signing some of their younger arbitration-eligible players to longer-term deals. Again, performance will dictate future earnings. Lackey made tremendous strides last season and is the likeliest of those four to warrant a multiyear contract, while Figgins can further help himself by improving as a leadoff hitter and settling into center field.
Rivera will need playing time to increase his value. Shields, though, will make a very strong case this season. With Escobar back in the rotation, Shields' value will only go up.
As the season gets closer I was wondering on what dates did the Angels sign Guerrero and Orlando Cabrera to contracts in the last two offseasons? -- Jeff L., Menifee, Calif.
Both were signed after the Winter Meetings. Guerrero signed Jan. 14, 2004, and Cabrera signed Dec. 20, 2004.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Angels shifting Erstad back to center

2006-02-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

01/11/2006
The Angels haven't been making many headlines this offseason, but that doesn't mean there won't be any issues to sort out come the opening of camp.
With Spring Training just five weeks away, the club has decided to move Darin Erstad back to center field, which will create further tweaks to the lineup.
"That is the plan right now," general manager Bill Stoneman said of Erstad returning to the position where he won a pair of Gold Glove Awards.
Said Erstad: "I've been told to be ready to play center. I haven't been told the job is mine, just to be ready. So, that is what I'm doing."
With Erstad in the outfield, the door is kicked wide open at first base for Casey Kotchman, who was the Angels' best hitter last spring only to find his ticket punched for Triple A Salt Lake when the season began.
But after a horrible stretch when he went hitless in seven games during his first stint with the ballclub, Kotchman returned to the Angels in the second half and hit six homers in August while posting an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging) of .945 in 60 at-bats and followed that by hitting .339 over the last month.
"That's the plus here. Moving Erstad to the outfield allows Kotchman the opportunity to play," Stoneman said. "He played well for us last year. He's a good hitter and he's good defensively, too."
Erstad won his third Gold Glove as a first baseman in 2004 and has been a key to the Angels' fielding success. Last season, they joined the A's, Mariners and Braves with the best fielding percentage in Major League Baseball at .986. But for the Angels last season, Kotchman held his own by not committing an error in 119 total chances at first.
The move also pushes Chone Figgins back to third base as the likely starter. Figgins took over in center field in the second half of last season when Steve Finley struggled and was seen as a solution in the outfield in 2006 with Finley headed to San Francisco in a deal for infielder Edgardo Alfonzo.
But the uncertainty at third will require the Angels to utilize Figgins' versatility in the infield, at least to start the season.
Dallas McPherson, heir apparent at third, is still recovering from hip surgery, and though he is progressing through his rehab process, the club has a pressing need for adequate depth at the position in the event that McPherson does not fully heal or continues to struggle at the plate.
He clubbed eight homers in 61 games last season, but he also struck out 64 times. McPherson is currently running three-quarters speed, taking ground balls and is hitting off a tee and playing soft toss. He hopes to take batting practice next week.
Nothing is set in stone yet; McPherson could still win the job at third this spring. But he's going to show up next month feeling he has something to prove.
"Wherever they want me to play, I'll play. I just want to be on the field," McPherson said. "If that means I have to DH, so be it. I want to help the team win."
Alfonzo has a career .287 batting average over 11 big-league seasons, but he has fallen from a high of 27 homers in 1999 to just two last season and the Angels see him more as a reserve who can also play second than as a starting third baseman.
The on-field adjustments also allow the Angels some flexibility over the course of a long season.
"They can both play center," Stoneman said of Figgins and Erstad. "That gives us a few ways we can go."
Moving Erstad back to center is not ground-breaking news. Not only is he more than experienced at the position, but the Angels discussed that very move last summer. With Finley unable to find his swing and the team suffering through more than its share of offensive droughts, Erstad in center field would have opened the door to Kotchman and Juan Rivera on a regular basis.
But manager Mike Scioscia dismissed the idea, saying at the time it would require too much work while presenting too much risk. The club was in the middle of the pennant race and ended up winning its second straight American League West crown.
The risk then was also to Erstad's overall health, but that issue still remains. Erstad has suffered from hamstring problems and plays with an aggressive style both at the plate and in the field. The wider expanse of center will place a greater demand on his 31-year-old body, which has logged more than 1,300 Major League games.
But none of that has changed Erstad's attitude.
"I have a really good program for getting in shape, so I have confidence that I will be OK," he said.
Heading to the outfield is better for Erstad than heading to another city, though, and it may prove to be ultimately better for the ballclub. Linked to a number of trade rumors, Erstad is staying put, as are a number of high-level prospects.
It is young talent such as Kotchman and Kendry Morales, Ervin Santana, Brandon Wood and Howie Kendrick who prompted Stoneman to reshuffle the deck as opposed to asking for new cards. It has also kept the Angels relatively quiet on the free agent market.
"We have a lot of good players at a number of positions; we have so many of them coming," Stoneman said. "The challenge is to find places for them to play."

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Around the Horn: Bullpen

2006-02-24T05:57:00.000-08:00

01/11/2006
The Angels' bullpen provided sufficient cover for the rotation last season, and the unit will allow the club to shorten games again in 2006.
Anchored by closer Francisco Rodriguez and capably set up by the righty/lefty combo of Scot Shields and newcomer J.C. Romero, the unit should possess adequate depth and allow manager Mike Scioscia the luxury of staying with his starters into the late innings or making the call to the 'pen to protect a lead.
Last season Angels relievers posted a 3.52 ERA, which was fifth lowest in the American League. That ended a three-year run as the lowest bullpen ERA in the league, but the group was still a major reason why the club was able to successfully defend their AL West crown.
With Troy Percival off to Detroit through free agency, Rodriguez was handed the full-time closer's job for the first time and placed his own indelible stamp on the role.
Always flamboyant and never lacking in confidence, Rodriguez logged 45 saves last season. By contrast, Percival didn't break the 40-save plateau until his third full season on the job. It took Bryan Harvey four seasons to save 40 games in a season.
Rodriguez was not perfect; he blew five opportunities and suffered mental lapses such as the August afternoon in Oakland when he mishandled a throw back from catcher Jose Molina in the bottom of the ninth inning, allowing the winning run to score from third.
But with 18 consecutive saves to end the year, Rodriguez found the right balance by spotting his fastball to complement his devastating slider to serve notice that an Angels lead in the ninth was an all-but-assured victory.
"When we needed [Rodriguez] to bounce back, he bounced back," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "This is a guy that nothing fazes him. We weren't surprised at the success he had and expect more of the same [in 2006]."
Shields led the Angels with 78 appearances last season and will be relied on heavily in 2006. Shields took over the primary setup role a year ago and was at his best in April and July, when he posted ERAs under 2.00, but a dead-arm period in August led to some rough outings.
He did not allow a run over his last six regular-season appearances, though, and posted a 1.64 ERA in eight postseason appearances, including six shutout innings in the ALCS against the White Sox. Shields' ability to pitch multiple innings, and the fact that 60 of his 98 strikeouts were against lefties, makes him the most versatile pitcher in the bullpen.
Filling a void will be Romero, who becomes the first left-hander in the Angels bullpen since Scott Schoeneweis in 2003. Jake Woods and Jason Christiansen had brief stints in relief a year ago, but Romero provides Scioscia with a left-handed specialist as well as a setup man to back up Shields.
Romero, who was acquired in December from the Twins for Minor League infielder Alexi Casilla, posted a 2.47 ERA against left-handed batters last season and has a career-low ERA of 1.89 in 2002.
But just a year ago Romero matched 48 strikeouts with 39 walks. Stoneman believes in the 29-year-old, though, feeling his problems last season were mostly with pitch selection when he seemingly shied away from his changeup. Romero also mixes a plus-fastball and sinker.
"He is capable of getting both left-handed and right-handed hitters out," Stoneman said. "He may be called on in certain situations, but I don't see him as a one-batter pitcher."
Romero had some run-ins with his former manager, Ron Gardenhire while with the Twins, but Stoneman said all reports out of Puerto Rico, where Romero is pitching in winter ball, have been positive.
Brendan Donnelly played a key role in the bullpen in 2002 and again a year later, when he posted ERAs of 2.17 and 1.58 respectively and appeared in a total of 109 games. Since then the right-hander has been a victim of bad luck.
A freak accident, when he was hit in the face by a fly ball in Spring Training two years ago, limited him to 40 appearances in 2004, but he took the ball 66 times last year. He established career highs with a 3.72 ERA and 60 hits allowed in 2005 as his role steadily moved toward middle relief and away from the later innings.
Donnelly returns but will share time with right-hander Esteban Yan in non-critical roles, barring a return to form this spring. Yan was signed in December 2004 to a two-year deal, and the Angels expected the tall right-hander to provide another power arm in the late innings, but 66 hits in 66 2/3 innings pushed him mostly to a mop-up role.
Right-hander Kevin Gregg will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation with veteran Hector Carrasco and prospects Joe Saunders, Chris Bootcheck and Jered Weaver. If he does not win that job, Gregg is a strong candidate for the long-relief role. Right-hander Greg Jones, who made six appearances for the Angels last season, will also get a look.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Rivera, Alfonzo get some extra swings

2006-02-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

01/12/2006
The playoffs are in full swing in Venezuela, where two Angels are trying to find their strokes, but for different reasons.
The organization would like to see Edgardo Alfonzo recover at least a portion of the swing that made him a productive hitter in the past, while Juan Rivera is hoping to put up numbers that could win him some more playing time when the 2006 season rolls around.
Alfonzo, acquired from the Giants in exchange for Steve Finley last month, has helped Magallanes open with a 5-1 record during round-robin semifinal play of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Alfonzo had four hits in his first 11 at-bats with two doubles.
But Alfonzo had not homered during the playoffs and he did not hit a home run in 15 games for Magallanes, which won the Division Oriental by four games in the regular portion of the schedule.
In 52 at-bats in the Venezuelan regular season, Alfonzo hit .269 with one double while posting a .288 slugging percentage and a .328 on-base percentage. Alfonzo hit 27 home runs for the Mets in 1999 and another 25 in 2000 while driving in 108 and 94 runs in those two respective seasons, but last season with the Giants he managed just two homers and 43 RBIs.
Alfonzo is currently being slated by the Angels as a reserve infielder capable of playing both third base and second. But with four seasons in his career of hitting .300 or better, Alfonzo could still prove to be a useful pinch-hitter.
Reserve is a label that Rivera would prefer to leave behind and barring the arrival of a veteran bat or the emergence of one of the prospects this spring, he could very well take over as the Angels' primary designated hitter.
His Venezuelan club, Caribes, was 1-4 in the playoffs after finishing the regular season seven games back of Magallanes. But Rivera had 10 hits in his first 24 at-bats with a homer and two doubles in the postseason. He hit .410 in the regular season with four homers and six doubles.
The only factor holding Rivera could be playing time. His numbers improved last season with the Angels as he increased his appearances. Rivera hit .258 in the first half but .282 in the second half while increasing his homers from seven before the All-Star break to eight afterward and his RBIs from 25 to 34.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Seven Angels eligible for arbitration

2006-02-24T05:44:00.000-08:00

01/13/2006
The Angels have kept their primary focus within the organization this offseason, and some internal negotiations over the next few weeks will continue to take precedent.
This is the period in which the club will determine how much to offer, as in dollars, and how long, as in years, to a burgeoning group of players who are as much about the present as they are about the future.
Starter John Lackey, closer Francisco Rodriguez, setup man Scot Shields and super utilityman Chone Figgins all stand to get raises in 2006, some of which could be considerable. The only question remains whether it will be through the arbitration process or a negotiated deal with the ballclub.
The Angels could also lock any or all of these players into longer term contracts and avoid the process all over again next year.
"Those are some of the players we have discussed offering multiyear contracts to," general manager Bill Stoneman said of his rising stars, while declining to address specifics.
Lackey and Rodriguez each made $440,000 last season and both are entering their first year of arbitration eligibility. Lackey turned a rocky April a year ago into a solid season, finishing 2005 with a 14-5 record. Only Bartolo Colon won more games for the Angels last year. Lackey was also third in the American League in strikeouts and showed a consistency that had been missing over the previous two years.
Rodriguez took over the closer's role and converted 45 saves in his first full year on the job. Only Chad Cordero of the Nationals had more in Major League Baseball last season and at 24, Rodriguez appears to have his best years still ahead of him.
Shields earned $925,000 last year and increased his value by leading the club in appearances while posting a 2.75 ERA, second lowest among regular Angels relievers. Shields tied Paul Bryd for the team lead in losses with 11, but with Kelvim Escobar out of the bullpen equation and his ability to pitch almost every day will help his stock.
With the departure of center fielder Steve Finley, Figgins appeared headed to his first regular gig on the ballclub but the Angels have opted to return Darin Erstad to center and open first base to Casey Kotchman.
That sends Figgins back to third base, but it will not reduce his value to the team. The only viable option as a leadoff hitter, Figgins not only led the club in runs scored last season with 113 but he also led the big leagues with 62 stolen bases.
Add in his ability to play multiple positions and Figgins, who earned $390,000 last season and is in his first arbitration year, is an integral piece to the Angels.
Reliever Brendan Donnelly, catcher Jose Molina and outfielder Juan Rivera are also eligible for arbitration.
Players can file for arbitration Friday with the exchange of salary figures by both parties on Wednesday. Arbitration hearings will occur Feb. 1-21.
"You try to get all of your players signed to contracts instead of going through the arbitration process. It is not a particularly appealing process for us and it is not a particularly appealing process for the player," Stoneman said. "I don't think anybody likes going to arbitration, but it is there if two parties aren't getting to a deal."

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/

Angels lock up Figgins, Rivera

2006-02-24T05:42:00.000-08:00

01/14/2006
ANAHEIM -- With an eye to the future, the Angels signed Chone Figgins and Juan Rivera to multiyear contracts Saturday.
Figgins signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal while Rivera signed for two years for about $3.5 million. Both players avoided salary arbitration and each made $390,000 last year.
Selected as co-MVP with Bartolo Colon by his teammates in 2005, Figgins was an integral piece to the Angels' season as the team successfully defended its American League West title. Figgins started at six different positions for the second consecutive season and led the Majors with 62 stolen bases.
Figgins also spent some time at designated hitter while getting the call at third, shortstop, second and all three outfield slots. He ended last season as the team's primary center fielder.
"Chone has proven to be a valuable asset to our club in a short period of time," said general manager Bill Stoneman of Figgins, who became the first player in franchise history to score at least 100 runs and steal at least 50 bags. "He has emerged as one of the most versatile players in the Major Leagues."
Figgins also established an Angels record for a switch-hitter with 186 hits last season and led the team with 113 runs scored, a career high. His 25 doubles and eight homers last year were also personal bests.
The 2006 season will likely be a repeat for Figgins, giving the team multiple looks around the diamond. Darin Erstad has moved back to center, which has pushed Figgins back to the infield where he will start at third base and provide occasional relief at second base and shortstop.
Figgins was acquired from the Rockies on July 13, 2001 in exchange for outfielder Kimera Bartee.
Rivera came over from the Nationals in November, 2004 along with infielder Maicer Izturis in exchange for outfielder Jose Guillen. Rivera established career highs with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs while making 84 starts in his first season with the Angels.
The Angels went 14-3 over the final 17 games of last year as they clinched the West. Rivera started all 17 games and finished the year with an eight-game hitting streak. Rivera hit .308 from Aug. 1 until the end of the season.
"Juan was a key part of our success during the stretch run last season," Stoneman said. "His play in the outfield and as a DH were sparks for us all year."
Rivera made 75 appearances in the outfield last season and played 27 games at DH.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/