Angels proceed with caution in Dallas

12/06/2005
DALLAS -- The Angels continued to have discussions on how to improve their ballclub Tuesday, but at the end of the day, the emphasis was mostly talk.
The Winter Meetings, designed to move and rearrange talent, have been largely quiet, and the Angels have approached the four-day event deliberately because they don't want to indiscriminately punch a hole in a team or an organization they feel will contend again in 2006.
Case in point is a potential trade for Boston slugger Manny Ramirez, a deal complicated enough that it could require a third team to ensure that all parties are sufficiently satisfied.
Arizona was rumored to be the third team, and the Diamondbacks would send Troy Glaus, a player the Red Sox have previously sought, and possibly others to Boston with the Angels sending prospects to Arizona and Ramirez heading to Anaheim.
With Ramirez owed $57 million over the next three years, reports also have the Angels asking the Red Sox to pick up some of the freight, either by taking veteran Darin Erstad, who is owed about $8 million next season, or by picking up part of Ramirez's salary -- or both.
The Red Sox have said that paying Ramirez to play for another team doesn't make financial sense, but they might consider it. Meanwhile, the Angels have little interest in trading away the players that have been mentioned frequently in trade talks -- Ervin Santana, Brandon Wood and Howie Kendrick -- but haven't labeled anyone untouchable. The Angels have also received inquiries about right-handed setup man Scot Shields.
To add just another hurdle, Greg Genske, Ramirez's agent, said on Tuesday that he may seek to restructure his client's contract with the new club and possibly tack on additional years.
All of this has allowed discussions to go forward, but until someone blinks, all parties remain in their respective organizations.
"That doesn't mean we won't look for a bat in the middle of the order," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "But [the resulting trade] will probably weaken [the team] and we don't want to do that."
The Angels had targeted free agent Paul Konerko, but he re-signed with the White Sox last week. Ramirez, who hit 45 homers last season and drove in 144 runs last season, would add considerable punch to the Angels' lineup and verifiable protection for Vladimir Guerrero.
But the Angels believe some in-house adjustments can improve the offense, and they don't want to tax a rotation that has already taken some hits. Paul Byrd signed with the Indians, and Jarrod Washburn will not be returning. Also, Bartolo Colon is recovering from a right shoulder strain while Kelvim Escobar must prove his right elbow can handle the demand of starting.
So while they remain open to a blockbuster deal that would dramatically change the shape of the franchise, the Angels have equal if not more interest in bolstering their staff.
"We're focused more on [acquiring pitching]," said Stoneman.
Lines remain open: One player that could be getting closer to returning is Bengie Molina.
The catcher was being considered as a possible fit with the Mets, but they recently acquired Paul Lo Duca. Molina's universe has been subsequently been reduced to the Angels and one other team that is believed to have interest.
While the Angels will likely offer salary arbitration prior to Wednesday's 9 p.m. PT deadline, Molina's agent, Alan Nero, said the Angels are considering a two-year deal. Both sides have expressed an interest that Molina stay with the Angels, and Nero made it clear that negotiations will continue.
"We're just starting to see what the market is going to yield," Nero said. "We have not been eliminated by the Angels."
Molina hit .295 with 15 homers and 69 RBIs for the Angels last season, and was given some of the credit for Angels starters tying the White Sox with a league-low 3.75 ERA.

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

Scioscia makes his call for arms

12/07/2005
DALLAS -- Mike Scioscia does not make any of the decisions as to how his team is constructed, but if he did his pitching staff would most certainly contain at least one left-hander if not two.
The Angels manager has long been a proponent of having a lefty to hand the ball to every fifth day and another coming out of the bullpen to handle tough left-handed outs.
But the club is currently without a southpaw at the Major League level, so unless general manager Bill Stoneman swings a deal or younster Joe Saunders wins a spot on the 25-man roster next spring, Scioscia will be able to feed opposing hitters nothing but a steady diet of right-handers.
"I think it's probably more important to have, if you're looking for balance, to have a lefty in the 'pen, which we haven't really been able to secure. But we've had some power arms there so we've been fine," Scioscia said Wednesday at the Winter Meetings. "A lefty in the rotation is something that you always are looking for balance, but at the end of the day, you're going to take the best talent and the best pitcher and right now, we're deep in pitching."
Gone from the rotation are right-hander Paul Byrd, who signed with Cleveland, and left-hander Jarrod Washburn, a free agent who will sign elsewhere. Washington has reportedly offered Washburn $40 million over four years.
Kelvim Escobar will be returning to the rotation and Hector Carrasco has been signed with an eye toward a starting job, but both are right-handers. Competing with Carrasco for the fifth spot in the rotation will be Jered Weaver, Kevin Gregg, Chris Bootcheck and Saunders, the lone lefty of the group.
Saunders started two games for the Angels last season and did not record a decision but posted a 7.71 ERA. Gregg also started two games and his 1-2 mark and 5.04 ERA are not exactly exemplary, but he was much better in the second half when he posted a 3.60 ERA in August and 2.25 in September, albeit strictly as a reliever.
Another two-time starter for the Angels was Bootcheck, who limited the Yankees to a run over six innings in one outing. But he was touched for six runs and 10 hits over 3 2/3 innings against the Devil Rays.
Weaver may represent the greatest upside of the group, but the Angels feel he has work left to clean up his mechanics and delivery. Still, his combined 4-3 mark and 4.02 ERA over two Minor League stops last season and a good showing in the Arizona Fall League suggest he's close to making a run at the big-league rotation.
Given Carrasco's relative inexperience as a starting pitcher -- he has six starts to his credit in his 10-year career -- the battle to fill the starting spot behind Bartolo Colon, John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Escobar will remain open.
"It's going to be competitive," Scioscia said. "There's no one who's been given that role, and none of those guys are going to approach it any differently other than going out there and trying to win a spot."
Improving the offense has commanded much of the attention here in Dallas, but the Angels are feeling equally if not more compelled to supplement their pitching staff. If it were up to Scioscia, he'd be targeting lefties.
"I've had these discussions for six years with our 'pen. You don't need to get hit with a brick in the head to know that for balance, you would love to have a lefty," Scioscia said. "If you look at the lefties in our division, you certainly would like to have a lefty in the 'pen.
"But you don't want to take a mediocre lefty. We really have a lot of power arms from the right side that have very, very good numbers against lefties. You like lefties that can get lefties out, which are a precious commodity. You'd like to get your hands on one of them, but it's a situation where we've proven we can win without that lefty in the 'pen."
Last season, the Angels first had Jake Woods in the bullpen and then Jason Christiansen. Woods is still in the organization, but Christiansen has left through free agency.
With the Angels posting the second lowest staff ERA in the American League at 3.68 and tying the White Sox among starters with a 3.75 ERA last season, the club will once again need their pitching staff to compete in the AL West.
"We're probably nine deep, and that's important because I think there are some years we've come in maybe five or six deep," Scioscia said. "Definitely, the rotation is there through the organization, so I think that's going to be a plus and we're going to have to pitch as well as we did last year."

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

Texas hold 'em: Angels stand pat

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- At least the accommodations were nice.
The rumors and discussions about the Angels acquiring and/or exchanging talent grew as cold as the inclement weather that forced most attendees indoors at the Winter Meetings here.
But the spacious Wyndham Anatole did allow for one to stretch his or her legs, and stretch was what the Angels had to do to see in what capacity they would be able to add the one name that attached itself and refused to be shaken during the four-day annual event.
Manny Ramirez had let it be known that he wanted to leave Boston and possibly join the Angels, but every deal rumored during the week included names that general manager Bill Stoneman simply wasn't comfortable in surrendering.
He had hoped to acquire a middle-of-the-order bat, but not if the cost was Ervin Santana, Scot Shields, Brandon Wood or Howie Kendrick or some combination thereof.
So as the industry dispersed Thursday, Ramirez remained a property of the Red Sox while the Angels still had their bountiful crop of prospects.
And with the bulk of a club returning in 2006 that has won the last two American League West crowns, the club will continue a judicious approach over the ensuing weeks feeling secure it can arrange the necessary pieces to contend.
Deals done: The Angels did not make a deal or sign a free agent at the Winter Meetings, but they did acquire a pitcher just prior to the meetings. The club signed Hector Carrasco to a two-year deal with an option and the right-hander will compete for the fifth starter job.
Paul Byrd signed with the Indians and the Angels decided against re-signing free agent Jarrod Washburn, who was not offered salary arbitration along with Bengie Molina, Jason Christiansen and Lou Merloni.
By not extending arbitration to Molina, the club effectively severed ties with two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher as they will now be unable to negotiate with him until May 1.
Goals accomplished: With Carrasco, the Angels have a veteran arm to replace Byrd in the rotation and a crop of young pitchers that will also compete for a slot in the rotation.
The Angels also received a solid endorsement for their organization and scouting department as just about every conversation they had with other clubs during the meetings had something to do with their high-level prospects.
Unfinished business: Starting with Paul Konerko opting to remain with the White Sox instead of coming to California and speculation centering on Ramirez, the Angels did not land the big bat they feel they need to improve the offense.
Stoneman will continue that search and will also look for pitching, specifically a left-handed reliever which may turn out to be J.C. Romero. The Twins reliever went 4-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 68 appearances last season with one blown save and the Angels have expressed interest, according to a baseball source.
Rule 5 activity: The Angels did not participate in the Major League portion nor did they lose any players, but they did select second baseman Eric Rodland from the Tigers in the Triple-A phase.
Rodland, who was a postseason All-Star in the New York-Penn League after the 2003 season, hit .278 with 12 doubles, five home runs and 28 RBIs in 72 games with Class A Lakeland last season.
GM's bottom line: "It was a typical Winter Meetings. We had a lot of conversations and we know a lot more about our club and what other teams are looking for. There are no deadlines. If you leave here and didn't have a deal it doesn't mean that you can't do something tomorrow, next week or next month." -- Stoneman

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

Halos get Romero in swap with Twins

12/09/2005
ANAHEIM -- The Angels took the next step in bolstering their pitching staff by acquiring left-handed reliever J.C. Romero from the Twins in exchange for Minor League infielder Alexi Casilla.
To make room for Romero on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated catcher Josh Paul for assignment.
General manager Bill Stoneman was unable to swing a deal at the recently concluded Winter Meetings in Dallas, but he had plenty of discussions and central to many of those was finding pitching depth.
The Angels lost free agent Paul Byrd to the Indians and have chosen to not re-sign left-hander Jarrod Washburn. Prior to the meetings, the club signed right-hander Hector Carrasco, who will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation.
In Romero, the Angels not only get a pitcher who can handle setup chores along with right-hander Scot Shields but he gives them that coveted left-hander, something the Angels have been without since Scott Schoeneweis left during the 2003 season.
"You guys reminded us more than we wanted to hear that we didn't have a left-hander in the bullpen," Stoneman said jokingly on a conference call with reporters.
Romero, who mixes a sinker and fastball, went 9-2 with a 1.89 ERA in 81 relief appearances for the Twins in 2002, but his numbers have not been quite as impressive since. Last season, Romero was 4-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 68 appearances with 48 strikeouts and 39 walks.
The 29-year-old had some run-ins with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, which Romero said were mostly miscommunication issues about how he was used. In 2002, Romero was a consistent seventh- and eighth-inning guy, but over the last two years his role had become less predictable and he feels his numbers were a reflection of that.
"I'm the type of guy that the more I pitch, the better I get," said Romero, who is currently playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. "I know I have to be comfortable with my role."
Stoneman, who said that Romero was acquired to pitch for the Angels and not simply to be included in a future deal, feels a couple of mechanical issues have also reduced his effectiveness in the last two seasons.
"We've questioned his pitch selection and obviously his command has to improve," Stoneman said. "How much that has to do with what was going on in his head remains to be seen. But we feel there is plenty to work with. There is plenty of arm there. This is not an aging guy."
Stoneman and Romero both feel a change of scenery will help and the Angels had long been on Romero's wish list as a trade destination.
"I'm going there to pitch in any situation," said Romero, who knows bullpen coach Orlando Mercado, catcher Jose Molina, Adam Kennedy and Garret Anderson. "I want to pitch. I like to pitch, and I love to win."
Signed as a free agent out of the Dominican Republic in February 2003, Casilla made three stops in the system for the Angels last season. He hit .325 in 78 games at Class A Cedar Rapids, .211 in seven games at Double-A Arkansas and .256 in 13 games at Triple-A Salt Lake.
The Angels were high on Casilla, but felt the reward of getting Romero outweighed the costs.
"This is a player whose highest level is mostly Class A, but he can play," Stoneman said of Casilla, who suffered a broken hand last year. "The Twins have a pretty good record of identifying good players at low levels and acquiring them. We liked Alexi a lot, but we also liked J.C Romero a lot."
Paul hit .189 with a double, two home runs and four RBIs in 34 games with the Angels last season, but may best be remembered for his play in Game 2 of the ALCS. Paul felt he made a clean catch of a third strike with two-out in the ninth inning of a tie game and ran to the dugout.
Home plate umpire Doug Eddings seemingly made an out motion with his hand, but made no audible call and said afterward that he merely called it strike three, feeling that Paul had not made a clean catch.
The batter, A.J. Pierzynski, realizing the situation, ran to first and was awarded the bag. Pinch-runner Pablo Ozuna then stole second and scored on Joe Crede's game-winning double. The White Sox went on to win the series and then defeated the Astros in a four-game sweep of the World Series.

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

Mailbag: Is Rivera on the rise?

12/12/2005
Angels fans would still like to see a big bat join the lineup, but some feel there are players on the roster who need more playing time. Also, many want to know what is up with the pitching staff.
Have the Angels thought about giving Juan Rivera a starting position in the outfield? I know he isn't the fastest player, but he has an outstanding arm and I think he could be a huge power source in the lineup if he had some consistent at-bats. He was tied for third in home runs last season (15) and didn't play every day. -- Robbie I., La Habra, Calif.
The Angels are indeed considering Rivera for a starting position, but it depends on whether or not they acquire another bat. Despite not landing one at the Winter Meetings, the club has kept open the possibility of acquiring a veteran to fill the DH slot. If that were to happen, Rivera would return to the bench.
He also will get competition from within the organization, even if the Angels do not add a veteran bat. Kendry Morales will be given the opportunity to win a spot as well. With Garret Anderson still on the club, Rivera will most likely see more time at DH next season with reserve duty in the outfield, even if he's an everyday player.
Why did the Angels lose a No. 1 draft choice for signing Hector Carrasco? His numbers weren't that good. Also, why didn't the Angels offer arbitration to Bengie Molina or Jarrod Washburn so they could get draft choices in return? -- John V., Long Beach
Carrasco was a Plan B free agent, but the Angels finished in the first tier of all 30 Major League clubs, so Washington was guaranteed a first-round draft choice as compensation. As for Molina and Washburn, the Angels did not want to risk the possibility of either player or both accepting arbitration, possibly obligating the team to pay what the arbiter decided.
Each player likely would have received a considerable raise, and the club wished to move on. In Molina's case, they wanted to give opportunities to his brother Jose and Jeff Mathis. As far as Washburn was concerned, they felt his recent years were inconclusive and did not merit a boost in salary.
Can you rank the rotation battle among Chris Bootcheck, Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver? I know Carrasco is going to be given a chance, too. Who is ready? -- Kevin M., Corona, Calif.
Kevin Gregg also should be thrown into the mix. The Angels got the opportunity to see both Bootcheck and Saunders in a pair of starts last season. They each did well in their first starts, but struggled in their second. Saunders has the advantage of being a lefty, and, if camp were to open today, he would be the only southpaw with a shot at the rotation.
Weaver got a late start last season after holding out for nearly a year, but pitched well at Class A Rancho Cucamonga and at Double-A Arkansas. He then made a good showing in the Arizona Fall League. The Angels feel he needs to clean up his delivery somewhat, but also recognize he is advancing quickly.
Carrasco has considerably more experience, but he has started just six games in his 10-year career and five of those were last season. Armed with a new pitch, Carrasco should be considered the favorite for the fifth spot at this point, with Weaver likely to make a run, followed by Gregg, Saunders and Bootcheck.
Francisco Rodriguez played winter ball in Venezuela the past three years, even though the Angels wanted him to rest. He pitched a lot of innings this year and ran out of steam at times. Is he playing winter ball again this year, or is he taking some time off?-- Barbara M., Highland, Calif.
Unlike prior years, the Angels gave Rodriguez official clearance to play winter ball this offseason. The right-hander feels he needs the work to stay sharp, but he also feels obligated to play in his home country. He is limited to three times a week and never for more than an inning. He also cannot pitch in back-to-back games.
Dallas McPherson is supposedly in his 15th week of a 16-week recovery, which means he should be back for the 2006 season. Does manager Mike Scioscia plan on keeping Chone Figgins at third base, or do you think that McPherson will compete for the third-base position? -- Andrew K., Anaheim Hills, Calif.
The Angels would rather have Figgins start in center field and McPherson start at third. He will still have to win the job, but if McPherson can demonstrate he's recovered from hip surgery and can withstand the demands of playing every day, he'll be in the lineup. The club still needs to find out if McPherson can hit for consistent power at the Major League level, and they believe that he will, which would be a tremendous boost to a lineup that could desperately use another power bat.

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

Angels request waivers on DaVanon

12/15/2005
ANAHEIM -- The Angels requested unconditional release waivers on outfielder Jeff DaVanon on Thursday.
DaVanon had been designated for assignment Dec. 7 after hitting .231 with 10 doubles, one triple, two home runs and 15 RBIs in 108 games with the Angels last season.
The switch-hitter was part of a designated hitter and reserve outfield platoon with Juan Rivera, but he saw his playing time reduced as his production wavered in the second half.
DaVanon owns a .256 career batting average with 28 homers and 109 RBIs over parts of six seasons with the Angels.
The 32-year-old was originally taken in the 26th round of the 1995 First-Year Player Draft by the A's. The Angels acquired DaVanon from Oakland in a trade along with pitcher Elvin Nina and outfielder Nathan Haynes in exchange for pitcher Omar Olivares and infielder Randy Velarde.

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

Angels' holiday parties a hit with kids

12/16/2005
Darin Erstad put it very simply in a lesson he learned from his dad.
"Use both hands, son," Erstad said to a group of children on Thursday at Stuart Mesa Elementary School on the grounds of Camp Pendleton, the U.S. Marine Base near Oceanside, Calif.
Erstad was answering a question from a member of the student body. The boy had asked: "Was it hard?" He wanted to know if the fly ball that Erstad caught for the last out of the 2002 World Series was particularly difficult.
Laughing, Erstad related that he was telling himself not to drop the ball when the salient words from his father echoed in his head. He used two hands, accomplished his goal and celebrated the Angels' first championship.
And in so doing, he was able to stand in front of the group and deliver the message to stay in school.
"I always wanted to go play, but I loved school, too," Erstad said, providing metaphorical encouragements to use both hands. "It's a great thing. College is great. It provides you with the discipline to handle everything that comes your way."
Joining Erstad was former Angels hurler Jim Abbott and broadcaster Rex Hudler, who were part of a larger delegation from the Angels that visited three elementary schools that serve the children of the military personnel at Camp Pendleton. The campuses of North Terrace and Santa Margarita were also visited.
Adam Kennedy, hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, pitching coach Bud Black, former Angels Willie Fraser and Clyde Wright, and broadcasters Terry Smith and Steve Physioc also participated.
The visits, coordinated by Angels administrative assistant Lindsay McHolm and supported by the Quiksilver clothing company, were part of a larger community effort that endorses education as a cornerstone for the well being of children.
But it also carried greater meaning as the military has always been held in special regard by the Angels, dating to original owner Gene Autry.
"We can all only do so much, but this is something we feel is important," vice president of communications of Tim Mead said. "This is just something we feel we can do to give back."
There were two assemblies, and every child was given a bright red Angels cap; they all promptly put them on, waved them and gave an enthusiastic shout when Hudler asked which their favorite team was. Quiksilver also provided shirts for each student.
Where civilian parents often try and choose where to live based on a school district, life in the military presents its own demands. Orders and assignments can change -- whether that prompts a family to pick up and move, or demand the parent to deploy overseas.
"Our biggest challenge is mobility," said Stuart Mesa principal Randi Gibson. "Some of these kids will have three or four schools. But they are amazing. They are very resilient, and they adapt."
Gibson, who is in her first year at Stuart Mesa, said her campus has the normal discipline issues, but the students are mostly very well behaved. She also said that the school, which is part of the civilian Oceanside School District, is rated in the top tier academically.
Second grade teacher Carol Witt has spent her entire career at Stuart Mesa, and said that the changeover of the student body can be tough, especially when about 95 percent of the children had a parent deployed overseas as they did at the height of the Iraq War.
"We just do our part to make them feel a part of the family," Witt said.
On Wednesday, the Angels held their annual Christmas party and hosted over 200 children at Angel Stadium from organizations that included Olive Crest, Wishland, Eli Home, LA County Probation Department, Latino Family Institute, Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, and Orangewood.
The children were treated to dinner and made holiday stockings while listening to Christmas stories and getting autographs. Manager Mike Scioscia, Kennedy, Hatcher, bullpen catcher Steve Soliz and broadcasters Physioc and Jose Mota participated.

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