Salmon heading to Spring Training

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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/

Angels re-sign Lackey, Jose Molina

01/16/2006
The Angels scratched two more players off their arbitration list Monday by signing right-hander John Lackey and catcher Jose Molina to new contracts.
Lackey agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.76 million, a considerable raise over the $440,000 he earned last season, while Molina signed for two years.
With Chone Figgins and Juan Rivera agreeing to new contracts on Saturday, the Angels have three players, right-handed relievers Francisco Rodriguez, Scot Shields and Brendan Donnelly, left unsigned and eligible for salary arbitration. Tuesday, Jan 17 is the deadline for exchanging salary figures.
The 27-year-old Lackey was the Angels' second-winningest pitcher last season, compiling a 14-5 record to go along with a 3.44 ERA that was second-lowest among starting pitchers on the staff. He tossed a complete game and finished strong, going 8-1 and a 2.57 ERA in 15 starts after the All-Star break.
Lackey finished third in the American League with 199 strikeouts and ranked second behind Minnesota's Johan Santana with 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. In establishing himself as one of the league's dominant starters, Lackey ran off a string of 16 straight starts from June 6 to Aug. 31 in which he fanned at least six batters.
"His second half is hopefully indicative of what he is going to become going forward," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "It takes experience to become a good pitcher, and he is making the most of his experience."
Lackey made a quick name for himself by winning Game 7 of the 2002 World Series as the Angels claimed their first title. He was the first rookie pitcher to accomplish the feat since Babe Adams for the 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates.
The following two seasons were not as fruitful for Lackey, who struggled with consistency and posted 10-16 and 14-13 records the next two years. The 2005 season opened in a similar fashion, but after a closed-door meeting with manager Mike Scioscia and pitching coach Bud Black on April 18, Lackey turned things around.
"I think he is getting to know himself better and he is getting to know the league better," Stoneman said. "He is taking advantage of his experience, and that is important."
Molina will enter Spring Training as the team's most experienced catcher. With brother Bengie gone to free agency and Josh Paul now in Tampa Bay, Jose Molina is the leader in big-league playing time among catchers on the club with 255 games, 245 of those with the Angels.
Jose Molina threw out 20 of 39 would-be base stealers last season, and it's his play behind the plate that earned him a new contract.
"From a defensive standpoint, he is very close to being a starting catcher," Stoneman said. "We are very pleased with how he's developed and his ability to work with the pitching staff. That is why we signed him to a two-year deal."
But at the plate, Jose Molina still has some ground to make up, and that has opened the competition at catcher this spring. Top catching prospect Jeff Mathis is in the running for the starting catcher's job, with Mike Napoli also in the mix, but a considerable long shot.
Jose Molina hit .228 with six homers and 25 RBIs last season, and he particularly struggled against right-handers, posting a .189 batting average. He must also follow his brother Bengie, who not only hit .295 last season with 15 home runs, but was a two-time Gold Glove winning catcher.

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

Mailbag: Power a concern of fans

01/16/2006
I have great respect for general manager Bill Stoneman and manager Mike Scioscia. Since the organization has so far not been able to bring in a proven big-league bat to add 30-40 dingers to the season total, where will the power come from?-- Mark S., Las Vegas, Nev.
The Angels will again have to create on offense to score runs as opposed to simply relying on power in 2006. Their only real power threat is Vladimir Guerrero, with Garret Anderson capable of chipping in with 15-20 homers. The rest of their power will probably come more from a collection of players than one source.
Dallas McPherson has 30-plus home run potential, but he has to return from hip surgery and earn substantial playing time to make an impact. Juan Rivera is another player with 25-30 homer potential, but playing time is also an issue. Casey Kotchman tapped a power source and clubbed seven homers in 116 at-bats after returning to the team in the second half, but he is more a hitter than slugger and will not be asked to carry the load offensively.
In their current alignment, the Angels will not look to outslug their opponents but instead will try to wear down defenses with an aggressive style.
First, at what position is Kendry Morales best suited for in the big leagues? Second, what is Jake Woods' timetable for reaching the Majors? -- Manny A., Panorama City, Calif.
Morales has played mostly at first base since joining the Angels organization. He has a couple of games under his belt in the outfield and the club feels he could possibly play third, but it is projecting him as a first baseman. His greatest attributes, though, are on offense, and if Morales is to make the Opening Day roster, it will be mostly as the designated hitter.
As for Woods, he was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Dec. 20. The left-hander is on Seattle's 40-man roster, but he is currently not projected on the big-league depth chart. The Mariners have five lefties ahead of him in the bullpen, including closer Eddie Guardado.
How close is Jered Weaver to being ready for the big leagues? Any chance the Angels will sign Jeff and have the Weaver brothers as a starting duo? -- Don N., Chino Hills, Calif.
The team feels Jered Weaver is very close and that is why he's been extended an invitation to Spring Training, where he will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. If he does not make the roster, chances are good that Jered Weaver will make at least one start for the Angels during the upcoming season.
Chances are not nearly as good, though, that the brothers will get the opportunity to wear the same uniform. Stoneman said last week that it was "not very likely" the Angels would make a run at signing Jeff Weaver, who is a free agent.
With Darin Erstad moving back to center field, and Chone Figgins at third base, what will the role of Edgardo Alfonzo and McPherson be? Will they fight for the designated hitter role with Rivera? -- Malcolm P., Phoenix
The Angels see Alfonzo mostly as a veteran reserve, capable of backing up at third base and also at second. He can also come off the bench as a pinch-hitter. McPherson's role is less clear. Last year's starter at third for most of the season's first half, McPherson will get the opportunity to win the job, but he's recovering from hip surgery and has to prove he can play every day. He also must find greater consistency at the plate, but his pure power makes him tough to ignore.
To this point, McPherson's rehab has progressed well and he hasn't suffered any setback. DH is a possibility and McPherson has said he'll accept any assignment as long as he's on the field. Rivera could win the DH job outright, but he will most likely share the job in a right/left platoon where McPherson could provide the left-handed component. Rivera should also get time in the outfield.
Is Brendan Donnelly still on the team? If so, what will his role be with the addition of J.C. Romero? -- Jim W., Albuquerque, N.M.
Donnelly is still a member of the Angels bullpen, but Romero will likely cut into his time in the late innings. Donnelly has lost some velocity on his fastball and fell behind Scot Shields as the primary setup man last season. By the end of the year, Kelvim Escobar had also passed him as a late-inning option. Escobar has returned to the rotation, but Donnelly will likely slide into more of middle-relief role.
Romero has not been as effective over the last couple of seasons as he was in 2002, but the Angels believe it has more to do with pitch selection and would like to see him utilize his changeup more often.

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

Angels sign Rodriguez, Shields

01/17/2006
Right-handed relievers Francisco Rodriguez and Scot Shields both avoided arbitration Tuesday by signing one-year deals.
Rodriguez, who earned $440,000 last season and was in the first year of eligibility for salary arbitration, will make $3.775 million in 2006 while Shields will increase the $925,000 he made last season to $2.1 million.
Right-handed reliever Brendan Donnelly remains the only arbitration-eligible Angel without a signed contract. Donnelly, who made $420,000 last season, submitted a one-year proposal of $1.05 million at Tuesday's deadline to exchange salary figures. The Angels countered with $850,000.
Among the Angels' arbitration-eligible players, Chone Figgins, Jose Molina and Juan Rivera all signed multiyear deals while Rodriguez and Shields, like right-hander John Lackey on Monday, signed one-year contracts. The club had hoped to lock up their young stars to longer deals.
"It is something we had interest in doing, but we couldn't come to an agreement," general manager Bill Stoneman said.
Still, the Angels will head into 2006 with the core of their bullpen under contract.
Rodriguez took over the closer's role from Troy Percival, who left as a free agent prior to the start of last season, and converted 45 saves in 50 opportunities. He tied Bob Wickman for the most saves in the American League and joined Washington's Chad Cordero as the first pitchers in Major League history to record 40-save seasons before turning 24 years old.
Running a consecutive save streak to 18 at the end of the regular season, Rodriguez tied an Angels record for saves in a month when he recorded 12 in September, equaling Bryan Harvey's 1991 mark. He finished the year with a 2-5 record and a 2.67 ERA in 66 appearances while holding opponents to a .184 batting average.
"Rodriguez is valuable because he doesn't have to start an inning to be effective," Stoneman said. "He can come on in the eighth and then pitch the ninth. He also has one of the best pitches: his slider. I don't know if I've ever seen another one like it. When he's on with that pitch, it is almost unhittable."
His counterpart in the bullpen, Shields, has also carved a considerable niche on the Angels staff. He led the club with 78 appearances last season, breaking the franchise record of 72, set by Minnie Rojas in 1967. Shields posted a 10-11 mark with seven saves and a 2.75 ERA while tossing 91 2/3 innings, the second straight season he's led AL relievers in that category.
Shields also ranked second with 98 strikeouts. Over the last two seasons, Shields has pitched 197 innings, the most by any reliever in the Majors and his 207 strikeouts are fourth among Major League relievers in that span.
"His versatility is very key," Stoneman said of Shields. "He has been asked to close. He has also been asked to start, although not last season. He is so resilient that you can have him in a key game tonight and chances are, he'll be in a key game again tomorrow night. He can go back-to-back and he doesn't lose his effectiveness."
Donnelly was 9-3 last season with a 3.72 ERA in 65 appearances, establishing career highs in wins and games pitched, retiring 43 of the first batters he faced.
The club would like to avoid arbitration with Donnelly.
"That is not something you ever want to do," Stoneman said. "Given what the figures are, it looks like something that should be resolvable."

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

Donnelly is the last man signing

01/18/2006
ANAHEIM -- The Angels came to terms Wednesday with right-handed reliever Brendan Donnelly on a one-year, $950,000 contract as both sides avoided arbitration.
Donnelly, who made $420,000 last season, submitted a $1.05 million proposal Tuesday, the deadline to exchange arbitration figures. The Angels countered with $850,000.
With Donnelly under contract, the Angels have now signed all seven of their arbitration-eligible players to new deals. Chone Figgins, Jose Molina and Juan Rivera all signed multiyear contracts, while John Lackey, Francisco Rodriguez and Scot Shields, like Donnelly, signed one-year contracts.
The 34-year-old Donnelly posted a 9-3 record and a 3.72 ERA last season in 65 appearances, establishing career highs in wins and games pitched. He retired 43 of first batters that he faced, but also served an eight-day suspension for having an illegal substance on his glove.
On June 14, Nationals manager Frank Robinson requested that Donnelly's glove be inspected by umpires for a foreign substance. It was later determined to be pine tar and Donnelly was initially suspended 10 days, which was reduced on appeal.
The Washington, D.C., native was originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 27th round of the 1992 draft and was signed by the Angels as a Minor League free agent on Jan. 20, 2001.
Prior to joining the Angels, Donnelly spent 10 years in the Minors with nine organizations, including a pair of independent teams, before getting his break in 2002. Donnelly was recalled and optioned three times by the Angels that year, but he hung on to go 1-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 46 regular-season appearances with the big club.
Donnelly led Angels pitchers with five World Series appearances against the Giants in 2002 and earned the victory in the Angels' comeback win in Game 6. He did not allow a run in 7 2/3 innings.
Donnelly went 2-2 with a 1.58 ERA in 63 appearances in 2003 and 5-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 40 relief appearances in 2004 after missing the first 64 games of the year because of injuries he suffered from being hit in the face by a ball in batting practice that spring.

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

Trial to settle naming dispute continues

01/21/2006
Court was not in session on Friday as both sides in the naming dispute between the Angels and the City of Anaheim participated in closed-door mediation.
No settlement was reached, and the trial will resume on Monday.
The proceedings in Orange County Superior Court before Judge Peter Polos opened on Jan. 9, with the first week taken up mostly by pretrial motions and jury selection. Opening statements were heard last Friday, and the first witness in the case, Anaheim City Manager Dave Morgan, testified on Tuesday.
At issue is the name "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" and whether it violates an agreement between the team and the city in which the team plays. Anaheim would prefer the club return to the name "Anaheim Angels," and uses that title in all references.
In the lease agreement, which Arte Moreno became party to when he bought the team from Disney in 2003, was a clause that stated the name of the team shall include the name "Anaheim therein." The lease expires in 2029, with a one-time out clause in October 2016.
"We continue to feel very strongly that we have not breached the contract," said Angels spokesman Tim Mead. "But more important, it is business as usual. As an organization, we are getting ready and looking forward to Spring Training and the regular season."
With about a week left in the presentation of its case, the city remains resolute.
"We're making two arguments," said Anaheim co-counsel Andy Guilford. "One, the name 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' violates the clause. And second, the name does not adhere to customs and usage in Major League Baseball."
Developments so far in the case include:
• Friday, Jan. 13: Both the city and Angels attorneys made opening statements. City attorneys laid out the basis of Anaheim's argument, that the Angels violated the lease agreement when "Los Angeles" was added to the team name.
The city, which estimates that it contributed $20 million to $30 million during stadium renovations in 1996, contended that the name does not properly reflect the region and is geographically confusing. The city also contended that marketing opportunities for the city of Anaheim have been lost.
The Angels countered that their full name, "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim," does comply with the agreement because "Anaheim" is included in the title.
• Tuesday, Jan. 17: Morgan testified that the idea of using two geographic regions was not a part of the negotiations. Angels attorney George Stephan argued that the lease failed to require the name to be "Anaheim Angels," but Morgan countered that the exclusion of another city name in the title was implied.
"No one in Anaheim ever intended to have the name 'Los Angeles' in the name," said Guilford.
• Wednesday, Jan. 18: Polos suggests that a mediation session be set for Friday, and both sides agree.
During testimony, the Angels asked that issues relating to marketing be excluded from trial because the lease gives the team "sole discretion" on marketing. Guilford countered that marketing demonstrates whether Anaheim is getting proper exposure.
Under testimony, Greg Smith, the city's convention, sports and entertainment director, said that "California Angels" and "Anaheim Angels" were included on tickets before Moreno purchased the team, but only "Angels" or the "A" logo are now printed.
• Thursday, Jan. 19: The jury heard from baseball historian John Thorn, the author of Total Baseball, who testified that the name "Anaheim" is absent about 99.9 percent of the time from merchandise and various media reports. In a study of the Internet, he said that such Web sites as Yahoo Sports and ESPN.com use "Los Angeles" or "Los Angeles Angels" on scores. Thorn, questioned about the sport's history, said that since 1876, no other Major League Baseball team has used two geographic references in its name.
Angels attorney Todd Theodora countered that "Anaheim" appears on the official team site, angelsbaseball.com, in some references, and produced a 2006 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim calendar.
Friday's mediation session was the sixth between the two sides in the last year. Following the conclusion of the city's case, the Angels will call their own witnesses. Polos has set a Feb. 10 date as a target to conclude the trial.

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

Around the horn: Catcher

01/18/2006
The battle to win the starting catcher's job will be as competitive as any other for the Angels this spring.
Incumbent Bengie Molina left the club this winter to pursue free agent dollars, though the two-time Gold Glove winner remains unsigned. Looking to take over behind the plate is brother Jose Molina with two highly-regarded prospects, Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli, hoping to break through and win a job on the Opening Day roster.
Five more catchers will also be in Tempe, Ariz., on non-roster invitations when camp opens Feb. 15: Ryan Budde, Michael Collins, Brent Del Chiaro, Brett Martinez and Bobby Wilson.
Jose Molina, who just signed a two-year deal worth $2.1 million, has the lead going into camp at least from the perspective of experience. The 30-year-old has logged 255 games at the Major League level, encompassing parts of six seasons.
Mathis appeared in five games for the Angels last season and collected his first big league hit. Napoli has not appeared above Double-A, but whoever wins the job has a tough act to follow.
Not only was Bengie Molina an award-winning catcher, but he developed a strong rapport with the pitching staff and was an overall good receiver. The aspect of Bengie Molina's game that may be toughest for this group to duplicate, though, at least initially, is his offense.
He hit .295 last season and matched Juan Rivera for third on the club with 15 homers. His batting average ranked second among catchers in the Major Leagues and he led the American League by hitting .393 against left-handers. Bengie Molina also hit .361 with two out and runners in scoring position, which was second to Garret Anderson on the Angels.
But Bengie Molina played in an average of 112 games in the last three seasons and the Angels are as deep as any organization in baseball at the catching position. It was a combination of those factors that start moving some of those catchers up through the system.
"It is the emergence of Mathis and right behind him Mike Napoli," general manager Bill Stoneman said in December, when he declined to offer Bengie Molina salary arbitration and effectively cut ties with one of their World Series stars. "I didn't want to throw up a road block that would possibly impede Mathis or would impede Jose Molina."
There are no questions surrounding Jose Molina's abilities behind the plate. He led the AL by throwing out 49 percent of would-be base stealers last season and posted a .993 fielding percentage. In 2004, Jose Molina threw out potential base stealers at a 45-percent clip and led the league with five pickoffs while making just 56 starts.
But his offensive skills are not nearly as developed and that may pose a problem for a lineup that will need production throughout the order in 2006. Jose Molina hit .228 last season with six homers to establish a career high, but slumped to .189 against right-handers.
Mathis has risen steadily through the Angels' system. Selected in the first round of the 2001 draft, Mathis is well-regarded defensively but he has also shown some skills at the plate. In 112 games at Triple-A Salt Lake last season, Mathis hit .276 with 21 homers, 26 doubles and 73 RBIs.
He was the only member of the team to be selected to the postseason Pacific Coast League All-Star team and the Angels named Mathis the organization's Minor League defensive player of the year.
While Jose Molina has an edge in experience, Mathis enters camp on essentially equal footing.
"No one is closer to winning the starting job than the other and no one is calling Jose Molina the starting catcher. We'll see how it develops in Spring Training," Stoneman said. "There is no question about Jose Molina's defense -- that is the strength of his game. Mathis has a more balanced game. We'll see how it goes."
Napoli has posted some offensive numbers that are tough to ignore. He led the Texas League with 31 homers and 99 RBIs last season while hitting .237 in 131 games at Arkansas. This winter in the Dominican Republic, Napoli hit two home runs and went 9-for-25 in eight games for Aguilas.
In 2004, Napoli hit 29 homers and drove in 118 runs at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Napoli is on the 40-man roster and will be in camp this spring, but Stoneman said he is a long shot to win a spot with the Angels given his lack of Triple-A experience.
And, unlike recent years when the Angels carried three catchers, Stoneman said there will probably be only two catchers on the Opening Day roster when the season begins April 3 in Seattle.
In an offseason that has been largely defined by the value of the Angels' prospects, the first test of that approach will likely take place behind the plate.

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

Catching, power and Erstad concerns

01/23/2006
I see that Bengie Molina is still unsigned and that he is considering a one-year offer from Toronto. Would the Angels reconsider signing him now that his demands are lowered?-- Don N., Chino Hills, Calif.
The Angels essentially shifted gears away from Molina at the outset of the offseason and toward the future at the catching position. They did not offer Molina salary arbitration and recently signed his brother, Jose Molina, to a new two-year deal. Jose Molina will compete primarily with Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli this spring, but Napoli is likely headed to Triple-A barring a setback to one of the other two.
With tremendous depth at catcher, the Angels are ready to move on at the position and the club would rather spend money elsewhere than at a position where it feels it has adequate coverage.
I hear that the Angels aren't going to go out and get an additional big bat. If so, that troubles me. I mean, I guess the Angels reached an impasse with the Red Sox and Manny Ramirez because they were unwilling to trade Ervin Santana. That makes sense to me. But couldn't they have worked something out? Couldn't the Angels have put a package of prospects and reserves together to get Ramirez? Even if they needed to trade a young player, it seems it would've been better than not having help with the power game and protection for Vladimir Guerrero.-- Andrew V., Yucaipa, Calif.
The Angels made it clear this offseason they were not willing to part with a number of their prospects and the reasoning was twofold: Not only do they want to protect the future of the organization, but they believe their talented crop of prospects is close to contributing at the big-league level. The addition of Ramirez would have injected some serious life into the offense, but the Angels felt the long-term risks outweighed the short-term gains.
Why is Darin Erstad always mentioned as being on the trading block? With a Gold Glove in the outfield and at first base, doesn't that make him more valuable to the Angels? I feel big bats and big hits will come without going outside the organization. -- Steve R., Elko, Nev.
A few things make Erstad the subject of trade rumors. His age (31) and his salary (he'll make about $8 million in 2006) are factors, but he is also in a walk year and players like Casey Kotchman need more time in the lineup. If you move Erstad, that solves a number of those issues.
But he is arguably the team's best defensive player and he can show his value by successfully making the transition back to the outfield. Erstad has lost some edge offensively, but he is already an upgrade over last year's Opening Day starter in center.
What is the latest on the condition of Dallas McPherson? Is he healthy and ready for Spring Training? Is he penciled in at third base?-- Rick M., Londonderry, N.H.
McPherson is progressing through all baseball-related drills and has not had any pain beyond the normal tenderness expected during rehab from surgery. He has expressed confidence that he will be 100 percent by the start of Spring Training, but unlike a year ago, he is not considered the starting third baseman at the opening of camp. With Erstad in the outfield, Chone Figgins moves back to the infield and McPherson will have to compete for playing time. He will also get some consideration at designated hitter.
Is anyone concerned that Guerrero, Francisco Rodriguez and Bartolo Colon might play in the World Baseball Classic? It seems to me they all won't benefit from the extra work this season, especially since Vlad and Colon have recently had some health issues. -- Tyler M., New York
Every manager and general manager at the 30 big-league clubs have concerns about their players participating in the WBC, which will take place during Spring Training. With so many stars taking part in the event, the possibility is strong that someone will go down with an injury. Restrictions will be in place for pitchers and injured players will be sidelined as in the regular season, but the most teams like the Angels can do is hope the extra demand doesn't translate into lost time during the year.
Do you know anything about Colon's physical condition? Is he fully recovered? -- Ed L. Peoria, Ill.
The word on Colon is he is progressing through his rehab routine. He has been playing long toss but hasn't thrown off a mound yet. The Angels have sent trainers to his home in the Dominican Republic numerous times during the offseason to monitor his progress and make sure he is staying with the program. He has not been declared fully recovered but is on target for the opening of Spring Training. The next big step will be when he throws off a mound for the first time since October.

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

Hasegawa announces retirement

01/23/2006
When Shigetoshi Hasegawa cleaned out his locker at Safeco Field prior to the final day of the 2005 regular season, he knew he wouldn't be returning to the Mariners in 2006.
But he hadn't decided where his career might take him.
After spending more than three months contemplating his future, Hasegawa announced on Monday that he has retired.
"I had some offers from other teams, but have decided to retire," Hasegawa told the Associated Press in Tokyo. "Unless I'm in perfect shape mentally and physically, I wouldn't be able to be an important part of a team."
The 37-year-old right-hander compiled a 45-44 record with 33 saves during a nine-year career in the Major Leagues, the last four with the Mariners. He went 1-3 with a 4.19 ERA in 2005, after which the Mariners turned down a $3.1 million option.
Hasegawa's best season came in 2003. He set a club record for lowest ERA (1.48) for a reliever, was selected to the American League All-Star team for the first (and only) time and allowed runs in just 12 of his 63 appearances.
Thrust into the closer role in 2003 because of an injury to Kazuhiro Sasaki, Hasegawa ended up with 16 saves in 17 save opportunities and set a club record with 28 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings over a 25-game stretch from June 3-Aug. 22. He also maintained a sub-1.00 ERA until Sept. 5 of that season.

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

Around the Horn: Corner infielders

01/25/2006
Casey Kotchman had the hottest bat of any Angel last spring and all it did was earn him a trip to Salt Lake.
When he heads to Tempe, Ariz., next month, though, Kotchman can plan ahead for the 2006 season as the leading candidate to take over at first base for the Angels from Darin Erstad, who is heading to the outfield.
A year ago, Dallas McPherson was the starting third baseman and despite suffering a back injury to open the Cactus League schedule, he remained No. 1 on the depth chart at the position and returned to the lineup by mid-April. For an encore, McPherson will be looking to carve a niche.
The new year has brought a few changes and this spring will be a bit different for these two.
When the Angels traded Steve Finley to the Giants for infielder Edgardo Alfonzo just before Christmas, a hole opened in center field. But instead of filling it with Chone Figgins, the club's Mr. Everywhere, Erstad was told to find his outfielder's glove and get his legs ready for running fly balls down in the gaps.
Figgins would have been an easy fix, but that would have relegated Kotchman to a bench role or designated hitter at best and the Angels felt it was time to open first base to a talented prospect that was ready for the opportunity to play.
"He's earned this chance," general manager Bill Stoneman said of Kotchman. "He came on very strong for us in the second half of last season and moving Darin to the outfield opens this spot for him."
Kotchman had two stints with the big club last season, the first of which he would rather forget. After a slow start at Salt Lake, he got the call on May 30 only to go hitless in 10 games. But Kotchman got another chance and made the most of it, hitting .302 in 40 games following an Aug. 4 recall that included seven homers.
The Angels were pleased if not somewhat surprised at the emergence of his power stroke, but they will point more to Kotchman's .323 average with runners in scoring position as something they will expect from him this season.
Kotchman will also be counted on heavily for his defense. Erstad won a Gold Glove at first base in 2004 and the Angels ranked first in fielding percentage in the Majors last season, tying Oakland, Seattle and Atlanta. Proving his worth at the position, Kotchman did not commit an error in 20 games at first last season.
A player with a shot at becoming the second-string first baseman will be Kendry Morales, someone who will also get serious consideration at DH.
The switch-hitter appeared at two levels in the organization last season, Class A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Arkansas, and excelled at both stops. After missing all of last spring as the Cuban defector settled document issues to enter the United States, the Angels will get their first look at Morales in big league camp.
Across the diamond, McPherson is in a position with plenty to prove and foremost is that he belongs on the Major League roster.
Hip and back problems limited him to 61 games last season and McPherson had surgery Aug. 30 to shave a bone spur on his left hip. Last year's heir apparent at third base will be faced with two issues this spring: He must show he can physically withstand the demands of playing every day, but he also must demonstrate he can consistently handle big league pitching.
McPherson hit eight homers in 205 at-bats while striking out 64 times. But he has also demonstrated the ability to change a game with one swing, and power hitters will not be a long suit for the Angels this season. McPherson played better than expected in the field and is confident he'll be 100 percent for Spring Training.
"I know that I have to go out and win the job all over again," McPherson said. "I'll play wherever they think is best -- DH, whatever. I just want to be on the field. I just want to play."
While McPherson will try and craft a role, Figgins already knows his and that is to play where he's needed. Last season, that was at second base to open the year and center field to finish the year. In between, he made starts at four other positions and also at DH.
Barring a change of events this spring, Figgins will open the year at third. He logged 56 games at the position in 2005 and performed well defensively, committing three errors there.
But finding a position for Figgins is more about getting him into the lineup. He led the Majors with 62 stolen bases last season while taking hold of the leadoff spot. Figgins led the club with 113 runs last season and the Angels are 133-53 when Figgins scores at least once in a game. Projected reserves will be Alfonzo and Maicer Izturis.
"A strength of this club is our flexibility and we're able to make these changes because of the players that we have here now and coming up," Stoneman said.

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

Angels invest in U.S. Virgin Islands

01/27/2006
The U.S. Virgin Islands may not immediately scream baseball, but for some the region speaks talent.
With that idea in mind, a group from the Angels scouting department visited the U.S. territory in November and again this month to keep the flames of the sport burning for that region's youth and possibly to find a prospect or two.
"There is so much that came out of there and there is so much that is there now," said Angels scout Arnold Braithwaite. "It is like finding a diamond in the rough."
Braithwaite was part of a delegation that included his boss, Angels Midwest supervisor Ron Marigny, and scout Kevin Ham. A native of St. Croix, Braithwaite strongly believes in the talent pool of his homeland but feels it needs a little support.
"We've targeted these kids and these players because we want it to keep going," Braithwaite said. "We want the Virgin Islands to return to its prime when it was as good as any place in producing players."
That would be players such as Horace Clarke, who spent 10 years with the Yankees, or the late Elrod Hendricks, the 12-year veteran catcher who spent most of his career with the Orioles and played in four World Series.
Other Virgin Island alums include Jerry Browne, Elmo Plaskett, Valmy Thomas, Jose Morales and Al McBean. Calvin Pickering was on the Royals last season.
But what Braithwaite and Marigny found there is the same problem that baseball youth leagues face on the mainland: Once kids hit the ages of 13 and 14, other sports begin to hold greater sway.
While kids in the States have a host of NBA and NFL players they can look up to, young athletes in the Virgin Islands have two-time NBA MVP Tim Duncan, who grew up on St. Croix, as a role model and an example of the lofty perches one can reach in sports.
"It's the same as here," said Marigny. "Kids start to lose interest in baseball when they reach about the age of 14. We lose them to basketball and football. Both of those sports are cheaper and easier to organize. In basketball, all you need is a ball and a hoop. You don't need nine guys."
To keep the sport alive, Braithwaite, Marigny and Ham visited elementary and middle schools on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, the three principal islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. They followed that two months later with open tryouts.
In November, they worked with kids ages 8-13 and held a series of clinics. They conducted hitting, fielding, pitching and baserunning drills, but also worked with the local coaches on teaching strategies to help them run their programs on their own. They returned in January for tryouts for ages 15 and up. What they also found was a tremendous amount of parental support.
"It was very positive," Marigny said. "The parents had a lot of influence over the kids. When the clinics were over, a number of dads came on the field to play."
There was also an opportunity for fun beyond the field as the kids participated in Angels trivia games and were treated to promotional items.
"The marketing department is doing a great job," said Braithwaite, whose scouting region is north Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. "Those kids knew all about the Angels."
The idea for the trips came out of conversations that Braithwaite had with Ira Hobson, the commissioner of Housing, Parks and Recreation for the territory. Those talks produced the first two visits, which had the blessing of the Angels scouting department.
Braithwaite and Marigny both plan to return in November and hope to continue their efforts in an ongoing process to maintain the interest in baseball and also to scout the region. Braithwaite said their focus is baseball and also with an eye toward current development as citizens and opportunities in future.
"It's about fun, but we talked a lot to the kids about education and staying away from drugs and other trouble," Braithwaite said. "From an Angels' perspective, we hope to find some players and follow them until they're draft eligible, but also help them get to college."
In all, they reached about 150 kids during their clinics and saw more than 100 during the tryouts. With a little luck, that number will continue to look to the diamond and not the court when it comes time to play.
"Right now, we're just trying to be good ambassadors for baseball," Braithwaite said. "We're just trying to light that spark."

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

Fan Guide: Angels

01/30/2006
The Angels will be back in Tempe for a 14th consecutive session of Spring Training this year, bringing the AL West championship banner with them for the second straight spring.
With reigning American League Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon and superstar Vladimir Guerrero joining forces with longtime Angels Garret Anderson and Darin Erstad as well as rising stars such as closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Angels seem to boast a championship-caliber club every Spring Training these days.
Manager Mike Scioscia is entering his seventh season at the helm. The Angels are coming off an 95-67 season that was good enough to win the AL West by seven games, the fifth division crown in franchise history.
As Angels fans prepare for their journey to the desert, here are some questions and answers that should help:
When do the Angels arrive at camp?The Angels' pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 15, with the position players following on Feb. 20. The first full-squad workout is Feb. 21.
When do games start?After an unofficial charity game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 2, the Angels' Cactus League schedule opens with another home game at Tempe Diablo Stadium against the Padres.
Other than games in Tucson against the Rockies on March 18 and against the Diamondbacks on March 25, the Angels will be in the Phoenix metro area until they break camp. One of the highlights will be a March 8 meeting at home against the defending World Series champion White Sox. The Angels will head to San Francisco for a split-squad game against the Giants on March 30, followed by the opener of the annual Freeway Series at the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 31.
How do I get tickets?Tickets for all Angels Spring Training games at Tempe Diablo Stadium will can be purchased at angelsbaseball.com or by calling Ticketmaster. An on-sale date to purchase Spring Training tickets at the Tempe Diablo Stadium box office will be determined at a later date.
Tempe Diablo Stadium holds 9,785 fans, including about 2,000 on the berm beyond the left-field fence -- always a popular spot for families. The stadium also has some seating in the shade, as well as fully stocked concession stands on the concourse located on the entry level of the park. Where is Tempe, and how do I get there?If you're coming from the Southland, you actually have a couple of options. If you have the time, you can make the drive of six hours or so to the Valley of the Sun. But there are also non-stop flights of about one hour to Phoenix from Orange County, LAX and Ontario through several airlines, so that's the preferred method for most.
The Angels' complex is located just minutes away from Sky Harbor Airport, on West Alameda Drive between S. 48th Street and I-10, just off Broadway Road.
How can I watch the team work out?There is no admission to see the Angels work out on their fields adjacent to Tempe Diablo Stadium. The Major Leaguers will be there all spring long, while the Minor Leaguers will report in early March to work out on the new Minor League fields that have been added to the complex.
Before the start of the Cactus League schedule, the Major League team hits the field around 9 a.m., and some hitters stay out there well into the afternoon.
Where can I get some autographs?If they're finished with their work for the day, you might catch players heading back to the clubhouse through the main stadium parking lot. You can also catch players as they enter and exit the parking lot behind the right-field fence. Once games start, the seats down the right-field line are a prime autograph spot.
What else is there to do in Tempe?Located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, Tempe has its own nightlife, most of it in the area surrounding Arizona State University. But it's also very close to Scottsdale, which includes the Valley's hottest hot spots as well as restaurants and Old West history. There isn't a more central location in the Valley for anything you'd want to do than Tempe.
For more information on Tempe, visit the city's official web site: www.tempe.gov
When do the Angels open the regular season?On April 3, the Angels open their defense of the AL West title with an Opening Day matchup with the Mariners in Seattle at Safeco Field. The Angels' home opener will take place April 7 against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium.

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

Mailbag: Will the pitching measure up?

01/30/2006
I think that the starting pitching presents more of a potential problem than the offensive side of the club. With Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar both coming off injury-marred seasons, I don't think they will be as strong a tandem in the starting rotation as they were before last year. This means that John Lackey and the kids coming up will have to carry more of the load.-- Tom A., San Dimas, Calif.
A lot will depend on how Colon and Escobar return from injury. Escobar has already made a comeback, and he appeared strong and effective when he pitched out of the bullpen in September and the playoffs. He did not feel any pain or discomfort in his right elbow. The question marks for Colon are a bit larger, since he had two setbacks last season: his lower back and his right shoulder.
Working in the staff's favor is Lackey, who had his best season last year and was arguably its best pitcher at the end of the year. In addition, Ervin Santana found consistency after an up-and-down first half and should improve as he combines his considerable talent with a greater knowledge of the league.
The staff's year may hinge on the No. 5 slot, which is open to competition, with veteran Hector Carrasco and prospects Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver and Chris Bootcheck looking to start. Last season Santana filled the void left by Escobar, and the Angels feel they could have a repeat of that this season.
How long do you think Mike Scioscia will remain the Angels' manager? -- Brian G., Lancaster, Calif.
Scioscia signed a contract extension through 2009, with a club option for 2010, this offseason. He has had tremendous success since taking over the managerial reins in 2000 and is a good bet to keep his job well beyond the expiration of his current contract.
But baseball being the fickle business that it is, no job is completely secure, so on-field success is paramount to holding onto one's job. But the Angels are extremely pleased with Scioscia, who can probably keep the job for as long as he wants.
Have the Angels considered giving Juan Rivera more time in left and using Garret Anderson as the DH? Rivera seems to crave the playing time and performs well when given it. He is also able to cover more ground in the outfield. -- Walter R., Garden Grove, Calif.
Rivera will get his playing opportunities in the outfield in 2006, if for no other reason than to give Anderson a break. But if this year is anything like last, those opportunities will occur more frequently, as Anderson's knees and back make it more difficult for him to be the team's exclusive left fielder. The Angels prefer to have Anderson on defense, but they realize his bat is more important to the team, and should increase his time as DH.
I've noticed that Lackey has signed a one-year deal. Does this mean he's a free agent at the end of the '06 season? Who else among the current roster will be eligible at the end of the 2006 season? -- Kris C., London, Calif.
Lackey will not be a free agent at the end of 2006 and will still be arbitration-eligible at the end of the next two seasons unless he signs a long-term contract. Darin Erstad, Escobar, Adam Kennedy and Esteban Yan are all due to become free agents at the end of 2006.
It seems after last season that K-Rod might be a better middle reliever than a closer. Any chance of the Halos picking up another closer? -- Conar O., Los Angeles
After a season in which Rodriguez converted 45 saves, the Angels are confident they have a closer for the long haul. Most closers are supremely confident and usually have at least one great pitch. Rodriguez possesses both of those attributes, and his slider, when sharp, is one of the most devastating pitches in baseball. He tends to run counts too deep at times, but he blew only five opportunities last season and finished the year with 18 straight saves. At 24, and with his best years still ahead of him, Rodriguez is not a candidate to lose his job any time soon.

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

Around the Horn: Middle infielders

02/01/2006
The defense provided by Orlando Cabrera and Adam Kennedy nudged the Angels toward a division crown last season, contributing as much to the cause as any element on the team.
Both players return in 2006, which solidly anchors the infield and virtually guarantees that the positions of shortstop and second base will be a strength for the Angels well into the foreseeable future.
Not only will Cabrera and Kennedy flash Gold Glove quality leather (Cabrera has a Gold Glove Award to his credit and many would say Kennedy deserves one of his own) but the Angels are loaded in the middle of the diamond. It is certain to get a bit crowded, but in the parlance of sports -- it's a nice problem to have.
Right behind the veterans is a solid quartet of prospects that are tuning up and looking for gigs of their own.
Shortstops Erick Aybar and Brandon Wood, and second basemen Alberto Callaspo and Howie Kendrick are no longer well-guarded secrets. Their names frequently surfaced in trade rumors this winter and all four will be in Major League camp for further evaluation against big leaguers. Each will get their shot at making the Angels, but Cabrera and Kennedy will remain the glue of the infield this season.
Cabrera set more than one temper aflame among Angels' fans when he was signed to a free agent contract last offseason. Though his defensive credentials were well established and he had a World Series championship freshly tucked into his waistband, Cabrera was replacing David Eckstein, a player who had long held center stage in the hearts of the locals.
Despite a pair of game-altering homers in the early going of last season, Cabrera struggled to win over the fans and he also had difficulty finding a rhythm offensively. A second-half player, Cabrera moved from sixth in the batting order to second and his batting average jumped from .243 before the All-Star break to .271 afterward.
But through it all he played solidly in the field.
Cabrera committed just seven errors all season and led all American League shortstops who played in at least 140 games with a .988 fielding percentage.
"He really changes the dimension of our infield," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "He is so steady. And the amazing about him that I only noticed when I got the chance to see him play every day is how well he does with the rockets hit right at him. Most players do not catch many of those; he seems to catch all of them. He's fearless."
His double-play partner for most of the season was Kennedy. After the Angels opened the year with Chone Figgins at second base, Kennedy returned in May after rehabbing from surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his right knee.
The pair developed a quick rapport and helped the Angels to lead the Majors in fielding percentage, tying Atlanta, Oakland and Seattle. Kennedy also quickly found his groove at the plate, hitting .435 in June and .347 during the first half.
Kennedy's production slowed in the second half as his average dipped to .258, but his .330 average with runners in scoring position was second only to Vladimir Guerrero among Angels with at least 400 at-bats.
Decisions will loom for the Angels, though, as Kennedy is a free agent at the end of 2006.
Playing reserve roles in the middle of the infield this season will likely be Maicer Izturis, Edgardo Alfonzo and Figgins. Izturis, whose best position is probably second base, was a capable late-inning defensive replacement at shortstop and third a year ago and also adds some speed to the bench.
Alfonzo, who was acquired from San Francisco in a trade that sent Steve Finley to the Giants, will be counted on to back up second and third base while Figgins, despite opening the year as the team's third baseman, will more than likely see action at short and second during the year.
What remains to be seen is how the four young prospects fare this spring. Callaspo and Aybar, double-play partners at Double-A Arkansas for most of last season, both earned berths on the Texas League's postseason All-Star team.
Wood and Kendrick also made great strides last year. Wood led the Minor Leagues with 43 homers at Class A Rancho Cucamonga and then set a new Arizona Fall League mark with 14 homers. Kendrick hit .384 for the Quakes and then .342 at Arkansas. Both he and Wood were named the co-Minor League Players of the Year in the Angels' organization.
"It is a great situation to have -- so many guys coming with so much talent," Stoneman said. "You don't like to have guys with high ceilings just sitting on the bench, but some times that happens. We'll see how it goes."

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

Angels sign five to one-year deals

02/03/2006
ANAHEIM -- The Angels took care of some business Friday by signing catchers Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli, infielder Howie Kendrick and outfielders Tommy Murphy and Reggie Willits to one-year contracts.
Mathis, who will be competing with Jose Molina for a starting job this spring, spent most of last season at Triple-A Salt Lake. The 22-year-old batted .276 with 26 doubles, 21 home runs and 73 RBIs in 112 games. Mathis was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star team and was named defensive player of the year in the Angels organization. He made two quick trips to the Angels last season, appearing in five games. Mathis collected his first Major League hit Aug. 29 with a single at Oakland.
Kendrick split time between Class A Rancho Cucamonga, where he hit .384, and Double-A Arkansas, where he hit .342. Kendrick, 22, was also named to the California League All-Star team and was named the Angels' co-Minor League player of the year along with Brandon Wood. Napoli spent 2005 at Double-A Arkansas. The 24-year-old hit .237 with 22 doubles and led the Texas League with 31 home runs and 99 RBIs.
Murphy led the Texas League with 11 triples while batting .288. The 26-year-old also had 24 doubles, 17 homers, 76 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. Willits, 24, hit .304 with 23 doubles and 40 stolen bases at Arkansas.

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

Stoneman: Colon rehab going well

02/03/2006
The last time Bartolo Colon took the mound in a meaningful game was Oct. 10 when he lasted one inning against the Yankees.
That was Game 5 of the American League Division Series and, after opening the second inning by throwing three pitches to Robinson Cano, Colon had had enough as the pain in his right shoulder was too much to bear.
Fortunately for the Angels, the course of treatment for their staff ace was rehab as opposed to surgery after an MRI last October revealed no structural damage beyond a strain to the muscles in the back of his right shoulder.
The 2005 AL Cy Young winner has since returned to the mound in the latest step of his throwing progression in his native Dominican Republic.
"The reports I'm getting are that he's following the program," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "He's throwing free and easy."
Stoneman also said he's been told that Colon is in the best shape he's been since joining the Angels in December 2003 and has shed a few pounds.
"People that have seen him tell me he looks different and that I will be pleasantly surprised," Stoneman said. "I'm encouraged by what I hear."
Colon's health will prove vital to the Angels' chances in 2006.
The right-hander battled back spasms during Spring Training a year ago and again in September. The club managed to rally in that series against the Yankees with Ervin Santana taking over with 5 1/3 relief innings to advance to the AL Championship Series. But without Colon, the Angels dropped four straight to the White Sox after taking the first game.
His value was more than evident as the 2005 season was Colon's finest in the big leagues.
Colon's 21 wins tied Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter for second in the Major League behind Dontrelle Willis' 22 and his 3.48 ERA was eighth lowest in the AL. Colon was fourth in the league with a .724 winning percentage while also placing among league leaders in strikeouts, innings pitched and both road and night ERA.
Colon also turned in the first 20-win season by an Angels pitcher since Nolan Ryan went 22-16 in 1974.
Colon had won 20 games in a year once before in his career, but never with the same team. He won 20 games in 2002, but that was split between Cleveland and Montreal, with which he won 10 games each. His previous high was an 18-5 mark in 1999 with the Indians, matched in wins when he went 18-12 last season in his first year with the Angels.
But Colon proved he was the staff ace all season and was equally effective in the first half of the season as the second half. He posted an 11-5 record with a 3.42 ERA before the All-Star break and a 10-3 with a 3.55 ERA mark after the break.
The 32-year-old went 11-2 after an Angels' loss and was at his best in August when he posted a 5-0 record with a 1.72 ERA in six starts.
With two years left on his contract, the Angels are still counting on some steady production from Colon. Over the last four seasons, Colon is averaging at least 18 wins and has posted sub-4.00 ERAs in all but one of those years.
During his rehab, Colon has extended a long toss routine from 120 feet to 150 feet before being cleared to throw from the mound. The biggest thing the trainers have been preaching is patience and all indicators are that Colon is listening.
"That is the smart way to go, but it is tough for the athlete because the athlete wants to go," Stoneman said. "We want him to take it easy and not try and throw the ball 95 mph right now. It is more about command and not about velocity. He gradually has to regain the feeling of the mound. We don't want to get ahead of sched