Shields (wink, wink) picks starter for opener

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."