March 2007 Archives

Scott Shields will be around much longer after he signed a four-year extension today. The Angels' press release is copied below.

SCOT SHIELDS AGREES TO A FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT
Reliever signed with Angels through 2010 season

Anaheim, CA- The Angels and Scot Shields Thursday agreed to terms on a
four-year contract through the 2010 season, in an announcement by club Vice
President and General Manager Bill Stoneman. The new agreement replaces the
one-year contract Shields signed in February of this year. With today's
announcement, the Angels currently have nine players signed through the 2008
season and five players inked through the 2009 campaign: Garret Anderson ('08),
Vladimir Guerrero ('08), Chone Figgins ('08), Robb Quinlan ('08), Kelvim Escobar
('09), John Lackey ('09), Justin Speier ('10), Scot Shields ('10) and Gary
Matthews Jr. ('11).

"Scot has been crucial to the success of our bullpen," said Stoneman. "He is
one of the most reliable and resilient relievers in the game and we are thrilled
to keep him in an Angel uniform for a while ".

Shields, 31, completed the 2006 season with 7-7 record, two saves and a 2.87 ERA
(87.2 IP - 28 ER) in 74 games with the Angels. He led the Major Leagues with 31
holds. Among AL leaders, he ranked fourth in games pitched and his 74 games
ranked as the second highest in a single season in club history, behind his own
mark of 78 games set in 2005.

Over the last three seasons (2004-06), Shields has pitched 284.2 innings, most
by any reliever in the Majors. His 291 strikeouts over the same spans ranks
fourth among Major League relievers. He enters the 2007 season with 31 career
relief wins, three shy of tying the Angels' career record of 34 by Dave LaRoche.

A native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Shields owns a lifetime record of 35-29 with 14
saves and a 2.81 ERA in 293 games (14 starts).

Jered Weaver and Bartolo Colon both threw in minor-league games today and both were impressive. Weaver threw 46 pitches while Colon threw 29. Weaver had the better outing of the two giving up just two hits and no runs in three innings. Colon gave up two runs (one earned) in two innings.

“ I thought (Weaver) was terrific,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “He threw some good breaking balls, some good offspeed pitches. That's a great first step. We'll see how he comes out of it and hopefully five days later he'll be able to increase it.”

Joe Saunders pitched with jersey No. 68 for one of the last times Monday. The left-hander will be wearing No. 51 by the time the regular season starts. There was no significance to his new number other than it was lower than the one he had last year when he made his major-league debut.

Saunders' previous numbers in college or in the minor leagues were 8, 35 and 40. He couldn't wear No. 8 because it is too low for a pitcher and Nos. 35 (Casey Kotchman) and 40 (Bartolo Colon) are taken. Maybe the new number will help him to avoid outings like Monday's when he gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in six innings. Jered Weaver also is wearing a new number this season, shedding No. 56 for 36, the same number his brother Jeff wears.

Not that this is breaking news, but manager Mike Scioscia is not always forthcoming when asked about the team's plans. Take the following example from a conversation earlier today. Scioscia was asked if he will finally make it official and announce that Casey Kotchman will be his starting first baseman. Not an unreasonable question. Kotchman certainly has shown he deserves it. It's not like he was asked how the team plans on pitching to Alex Rodriguez. Here was Scioscia's answer on the Kotchman inquiry:

"I think that the way Casey is playing this spring, we're very encouraged. I think that with Shea (Hillenbrand) and Q (Robb Quinlan) and Kendry (Morales), along with what Kotch has done, I feel very confident about the production we're going to get from first base and the level of play. Right now it's obvious Kotch is going to be a big part of that. We're going to keep moving forward."

Both Vladimir Guerrero and Garret Anderson have crushed deep home runs against the Chicago Cubs, but the Angels still trail 7-4 in the sixth inning. In what was shaping up to be a solid defensive game for the Angels, they just committed two miscues in the sixth to allow a run. Garry Matthews had an impressive running catch into the gap earlier in the game and Maicer Izturis made a tough play in the hole to his left. But Orlando Cabrera threw high on a double play and an Izturis fielding error allowed the Cubs to score.

By Doug Padilla
Staff Writer

MESA, Ariz. – Two injuries last week have the Angels scrambling to make contingency plans with a week to go before Opening Day.
Chone Figgins' two broken fingers on his right hand and Kelvim Escobar's strained lower back have created new scenarios.
Figgins will start on the disabled list and miss the first month of the season, opening up a roster spot. Tommy Murphy and Reggie Willits were believed to be battling to make the major-league club before Figgins went down. Now they both have the opportunity to start the season in Anaheim.
But since Murphy and Willits are so similar, guys like Nick Gorneault, Curtis Pride, Kendry Morales and even Jeff Mathis are getting a renewed look.
Gorneault would provide right-handed power off the bench and would be able to spell Garret Anderson in left and Vladimir Guerrero in right but would not offer any coverage in center field. Pride offers the same defensively but would provide a left-handed bat off the bench.
Morales and Mathis still seem destined for Triple-A Salt Lake, even with the new roster opening.
“(Gorneault) does have a live bat and that could be something we're going to look at,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “If you can project what our lineup is, there's not going to be a lot of maneuvering, especially early on, for guys pinch hitting. It's probably going to be more of a pinch-running situation or possibly a tweak in the lineup to get (Robb Quinlan) in there.”
The desire for pinch runners would seem to suggest that speed supplied by both Murphy and Willits will give then an advantage.
“We haven't ruled out Murphy and Willits on the same club,” Scioscia said. “I don't think they are the same player. I know there are similarities but they each bring a different dimension. There could be a role for both of those guys on our club.”
Escobar had been scheduled to start in Thursday's Freeway Series opener at Dodger Stadium, but he will now remain in Arizona that day and pitch in the controlled environment of a camp game. He still is expected to make his season debut on April 3.
“He's feeling much better,” Scioscia said. “He will throw a bullpen before to make sure he is where he needs to be and he'll throw in a camp game to get to 90 to 100 pitches and hopefully be out there for seven-plus innings.”

Ervin Santana's impressive spring continued as he gave up just one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings Sunday in a 3-2 Angels victory over the Chicago Cubs. The outing leaves Santana with a 3.65 ERA. The right-hander threw 91 pitches in his final Arizona start and might actually dial it back a bit when he takes the mound Friday against the Dodgers in his final tuneup. Not even a towering home run from the Cubs' Cliff Floyd could ruin Santana's day. “My slider is getting better,” Santana said. “It has more break, a late break, so the hitter thinks fastball.”

Kelvim Escobar appeared to injure his back in the third inning of today's game against the Rockies. He appeared to be uncomfortable after trying to make a play to his left, prompting a visit from manager Mike Scioscia and pitching coach Mike Butcher. After a brief discussion, Escobar threw a warmup pitch. Another discussion followed and Escobar was removed from the game. He walked to the clubhouse down the right-field line under his own power and did not seem to be in any discomfort. More to come.

It figures that it was a bit prepature to post an entry titled "Positive pitching signs."

UPDATE: Escobar was lifted with a strain in his left lower back. He was taken out for precautionary reasons and will be re-evaluated Sunday.

Former pitcher turned Angels broadcaster Mark Gubicza was impressed Saturday as he watched Jered Weaver and Bartolo Colon throw in the bullpen at the same time. Having been on the recovery trail himself, Gubicza said it was a good sign that both pitchers were not stalling for time between pitches. He said that is a sure sign a recovering pitcher is feeling discomfort. And like everybody else, Gubicza was impressed with Colon's velocity, even before he pitched to hitters moments later.

After watching Bartolo Colon throw his 50-pitch bullpen session on a lower field, Scot Shields came away impressed. "He's ready for Opening Day," Shields joked. "I'll go tell John (Lackey)."
Lackey, of course, will be the actual starter for the Angels on Opening Day next Monday against the Texas Rangers. Colon's bullpen session did show that he should be on target for an early May return. Colon had impressive velocity and did not appear to be in any discomfort. He had Nick Gorneault, Kendry Morales and Curtis Pride off balance in the batter's box a number of times.
Shields, always the joker, wasn't done was his facetious assessment of Colon's Opening Day chances. "He might only give us three (innings) but it will be a good three."

A sign the season is getting close came when John Lackey threw mostly fastballs and changeups against the division rival Seattle Mariners. Not only that, Lackey won't even bother facing the Oakland Athletics in his last spring start Wednesday. He will pitch in a minor-league game instead.
Lackey's limited arsenal led to predictable results. He gave up nine runs on 10 hits in four innings to the Mariners, including two home runs. Afterward, he admitted that he didn't want to give too much away, but he also confessed that his command was not what it had been in previous starts.
Lackey entered the start with an impressive 0.73 ERA in three spring outings. It stands at 5.51 now, not that the the right-hander is going to worry about it.
“Last time you guys were telling me I was peaking too quick, now you're concerned?” Lackey said. “Come on guys.”

With some internet connection issues resolved now that I'm home, here is the Chone Figgins update:

By Doug Padilla
Staff Writer

PEORIA, Ariz. – The medical update on Chone Figgins was worse than expected Friday as the projected Opening Day third baseman has not one but two broken fingers on his right hand.
The injury occurred in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Arizona Diamondbacks as Figgins misplayed a ground ball by Conor Jackson. He was given an error on the play.
Doctors in Tempe on Thursday found a fractured bone at the tip of Figgins' right middle finger. Figgins was re-examined at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Southern California on Friday where more X-rays were taken. Not only was the fracture near the first knuckle of his middle finger confirmed, but another fracture was visible at the same spot at his index finger.
Figgins will be required to wear a splint for three weeks until he is examined again. He is expected to be out of action for five to six weeks, meaning he isn't likely to return until the start of May.
Manager Mike Scioscia was given the update on Figgins moments after the Mariners had defeated the Angels 10-6.
“Let's just digest this first,” said Scioscia, when asked about Maicer Izturis and Robb Quinlan as the replacements at third base. “We're going to have to get guys to chip in and play there. We'll see how it unfolds.”
For the second consecutive season, Figgins was expecting to start the bulk of games at third. That plan was halted last season when Figgins had to move to center field because of injuries to Darin Erstad.
“With the progress Chone showed (Thursday), he felt he was going to be fine so this is disappointing,” Scioscia said. “But I know he will be back as early as he can and be ready to go.”
Izturis handled the bulk of the playing time at third base last season with 78 starts and would seem likely to get the call for Opening Day if the Angels don't make some kind of trade first.
“There is no way to rush this but I just know Chone and know he will stay in shape and be ready to go and hopefully be productive right out of the box,” Scioscia said.

Won't be able to blog today. The wireless system at Peoria Sports Complex is supplied through the city library. Therefore, many sites are blocked including those that carry e-mail and chat rooms.
Basically, if you are using the internet to communicate to somebody, the Peoria library is taking upon itself to make sure you don't.

As for Angels news this morning: Howie Kendrick is working through a sore groin. No new news on Chone Figgins. I'll post an update when I get back to my place later this evening.

By Doug Padilla
Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. – Chone Figgins found out Thursday he has a broken finger that could alter the Angels' Opening Day plans.
Figgins suffered the injury to the middle finger of his right hand in Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks when he misplayed a ground ball from Conor Jackson. He earned an error on the play.
The fracture was discovered in an X-ray on Thursday and Figgins will return to Orange County today to be examined by Steve Shin, an orthopedic hand surgeon from the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic.
“It's hard to see the ball coming off the bleachers here and I reacted to my left,” Figgins said. “The ball happened to be more toward the back of my right leg and it just hit off the tip of my finger.”
Figgins seemed shocked to hear he had a fracture at the tip of his finger. He figured he just had some swelling that would go away soon. In fact, he still doesn't think he will be out long and is determined to play on Opening Day.
“(Thursday) he made a lot of improvement so he thinks it felt good and it's close,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “Until we know exactly the extent it's tough to put a time frame on it but I'm optimistic just by the way he felt today. This could be something where he could be out there quickly.”
If Figgins does miss some time in the regular season, the Angels expect to cover his position with Maicer Izturis or Robb Quinlan as their first choices. Shea Hillenbrand, who does have some experience at third, would be a second-tier option along with Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick.
“The way it feels it will be just a couple of days just until the swelling goes down," Figgins said. "I'm not the doctor, though. I was picking up a baseball and a bat last night to see if I have some feeling there and I do,”
Scioscia said Brandon Wood is just not ready to handle an assignment like that at this stage of his development. Wood, a shortstop who is highly touted because of his power potential, just started playing third base this spring. He was recently reassigned to minor-league camp.

The Angels just announced that Chone Figgins broke the middle finger on his right hand. The injury occurred as Figgins tried to field a ground ball in Wednesday's game. There is no timetable for his return but Figgins said the way it feels, he thinks he won't be out long. In fact, Figgins thinks he can be ready for Opening Day. An examination Friday will shed more light on Figgins' timetable.

Manager Mike Scioscia just walked to the mound while Chiris Bootcheck was warming up and called the game. He didn't even wait for the umpires to make the decision. He waived his hand under his chin to Rangers manager Ron Washington and that was it.

After a 51-minute delay, the Angels and Rangers have resumed their Cactus League game. I am officially out of the weatherman business. One change is that the game will only last 6 innings now because the starters are out and not enough relief pithcers are on hand.

Here comes more rain, though, which looks like another delay is coming. But I promised to not be a weatherman again. Shea Hillenbrand just cut through the rain with a home run to give the Angels a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

It doesn't happen often in the desert as the Angels and Rangers are in an honest to goodness rain delay. Not sure is this one will continue, even though the rain appears to be slowing down. Tempe Diablo Stadium doesn't have a tarp and only the mound and home-plate area are covered. Manager Mike Scioscia is checking out the condition of the infield with one of the umpires. I sense a ppd coming.

Can you give three thumbs up? Jered Weaver would if he could after a 50-pitch simulated game this afternoon. Weaver mixed in some breaking balls to batters for the first time as he faced Kendry Morales, Nick Gorneault and Curtis Pride. It went so well (even after home runs by Morales and Gorneault) that Weaver is now aimed for an outing Tuesday in a camp game. He will throw 45 pitches in that contest. It still didn't change his schedule, though, as Weaver isn't expected to make his season debut until a series at Boston April 13-16.

Jered Weaver now will return to action April 15 or 16, according to manager Mike Scioscia, not on the 11th or 12th as was previously believed. Weaver has been fighting biceps tendinitis this spring. Looking at the schedule, the fifth starter will be needed April 6 and not again until April 14, so Weaver might have a chance to come back a day earlier than Scioscia is tabulating.

For Weaver to pitch on the 14th, here is how the rotation would unfold:

4/2 John Lackey, 4/3 Kelvim Escobar, 4/4 Ervin Santana, 4/5 Joe Saunders, 4/6 Dustin Moseley, 4/7 Lackey, 4/8 Escobar, 4/9 off day, 4/10 Santana, 4/11 Saunders, 4/12 Lackey (who can return here on four days' rest because of the off day), 4/13 Escobar, 4/14 Weaver.

Weaver would have to follow Escobar on the 14th since Santana would have only three days' rest following his April 10 start.

Manager Mike Scioscia finally made the starting rotation official today, not that it was a big secret. After a meeting with all of the starters, Scioscia revealed that John Lackey will start on Opening Day. It won't be his first Opening Day start (he had the assignment in 2003) but it will be his first on his own merits and not as an injury relpacement.

Kelvim Escobar will follow Lackey with Ervin Santana in the No. 3 spot and Joe Saunders as the No. 4 starter. The No. 5 spot is between Hector Carrasco and Dustin Moseley, until Jered Weaver returns April 15 or 16. Moseley appears to be the leading candidate for to get two starts in the No. 5 spot.