April 2008 Archives

The Angels won despite getting just three hits, all against A's starter Greg Smith, who lost for the first time this season. It was the first time the Angels won a game with three hits or fewer since Sept. 3, 2006 at Detroit in a 2-1 victory over the Tigers. The Angels also had three hits that day.

On Tuesday, the Angels scored their two runs in the third inning on just one hit.

After Tuesday's victory, the Angels recalled infielder Matt Brown to the big-league club and sent catcher Bobby Wilson back to Triple-A. Wilson was recalled earlier this week when Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli were both feeling the effects of the flu. Both are fine now. Wilson got his first big-league hit Monday.

Before play Tuesday, Brown was tearing up the Pacific Coast League with a .426 batting average in 101 at-bats. He had six home runs and 22 RBI.

John Lackey's rehab start at Rancho Cucamonga is in a holding pattern after a bank of lights went out at the Quakes' home park. Lackey had given up just one hit through three innings, needing just five pitches to get out of the third. The right-hander was last seen throwing warmup pitches during the delay. No word yet if those will count toward his designated pitch total.

UPDATE: Lackey finished his outing during a simulated game while one bank of lights was out. No word on if Quakes batters came to the plate or the Quakes' opponents took their cuts. "Officially," Lackey's line was: three innings, one run, one hit, two strikeouts and a walk.

SECOND EDIT: Lackey threw 34 pitches in the game before the power outage and 26 more in simulated game in the bullpen where a batter stood at the plate but didn't swing.

Just lifted this one from today's Angels media notes: Wednesday's Angels starter Ervin Santana is 7-1 with a 1.38 ERA in his career against the A's. That would be just 10 earned runs in 65 1/3 innings.

Check back soon for more "From the Notes."

Here's a curious one. Home-plate umpire Greg Gibson just went to Angels starter Joe Saunders on the mound before the start of the second inning and appeared to tell him that blowing on his pitching hand, while on the mound, has been allowed tonight. He then gave a signal to both benches, blowing on his own hand and extending something like a welcome signal. Kinda odd. That privledge usually is not allowed until games are played in much frostier conditions that the 65 degrees at first pitch. Maybe Gibson thinks he's in Oakland tonight.

Robb Quinlan started at first base tonight, a day after starting at third. It is the first time he has started back-to-back games since Sept. 4 and 5 of last season. Coincidentally, those games, like the last two, were against the A's.

Quinlan got the start at third base Monday because Chone Figgins had to move to second base with Maicer Izturis nursing a sore back and Howie Kendrick on the DL. Brandon Wood is the starter at third tonigt with Quinlan taking over at first for Casey Kotchman because the A's started a left-hander in Greg Smith.

That flu bug that slowed Jeff Mathis and threatened to derail Mike Napoli seems to have subsided. Catcher Bobby Wilson is on the roster just in case, but it seems like his stay in Anaheim will be a short one. Wilson is on the major-league roster for the first time in his career.

Mathis was the original starting catcher tonight (Monday) but was scratched in favor of Napoli.

"Jeff felt good today but we're going to keep him out," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We originally had him in the lineup but he was evaluated and he'll just work out today. Hopefully he will be in there tomorrow so Napoli will catch today."

As a follow up two two moves the Angels made Friday, they made two more today (Monday) in advance of a series against the Oakland A's On Friday, the Angels called up relievers Jose Arredondo and Rick Thompson while optioning Sean Rodriguez and Kendry Morales. Today, the Angels recalled catcher Bobby Wilson and infielder Brandon Wood, while Arredondo and Thompson were optioned out.

That 18-1 record the Angels' Triple-A affiliate has posted matches that of last season's New England Patroits in the NFL. For whatever that is worth. According to Salt Lake broadcaster Steve Klauke, the team's start ties the record for best in Pacific Coast League history. Here are some other facts from Klauke:

The current streak of 10 straight wins equals the franchise record set
June 8-18, 2000 when we were the Salt Lake Buzz.

The team currently leads the PCL in batting average (.308), ERA (3.41)
and fielding percentage (.986).

Seven wins have come in our last at-bat, including two walk-off wins at
home.

The team is 11-0 on the road and the eleven straight road wins is a
franchise record.

The team has been able to win close games (6-0 in games decided by one
run) and routs (8-0 in games decided by four runs or more).

The starting rotation of Nick Green, Nick Adenhart, Shane Loux, Kasey
Olenberger and Giancarlo Alvarado has a combined ERA of 2.98.

Jose Arredondo is 7-for-7 in converting save opportunities.

Not a bad start to a season. Now when do these guys get to the big leagues?

No, it only seems like the Angels have never won consecutive games at Fenway Park. After beating the Red Sox today at Boston, the Angels might finally be making inroads at Fenway. The Angels closed out a three-game series against the World Series champs by winning the last two games.

So when was the last time the Angels won back-to-back games at Fenway Park? Try May 15 and 16 of 2003. Now if they can only figure out how to win consecutive playoff games on the Red Sox's home turf.

According to an ESPN fan poll, the Angels finished atop the "Fan Satisfaction Rankings" among all Major League Baseball teams and were ranked sixth overall among all sports teams. According to the Angels media relations staff, it is the fifth consecutive time the Angels finished on top of all MLB teams. The poll takes into account a number of factors including, "Wins over the past three years per revenues directly from fans," whatever that might be. Instead of trying to explain it, click here to see the poll for yourself.

No, John Lackey did not pitch for the Quakes on Tuesday, which means that anybody who thought they missed it can get another chance to see the right-hander. Lackey instead threw on the side at Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday and will now pitch for the Quakes on Thursday. Check out the last item in this notebok from Pete Marshall to find all the details about Lackey.

John Lackey will pitch for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in a rehab start on Tuesday. It would be one thing to wait for the reports on Lackey's outing, or you can see how he does yourself by attending the California League game. Hey, both the Angels and Dodgers will be on the road that day so the Quakes will be one of the only games in town. For tickets to Lackey's Quakes game against Bakersfield at Rancho Cucamonga's Epicenter, click here, then select Tuesday's game.

If you missed the Torii Hunter piece on HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," not to worry. The episode, which started to air this month, will replay on HBO April 22, 24, 26, 28 and 29. It will air on HBO2 April 23, 27, 29 and May 2. Hunter expresses his dismay that African American's no longer are drawn to baseball. He also talks about his struggles dealing with a drug-addicted father. James Brown conducts the interviews. Also on the episode: Barack Obama's love of basketball, the tragic death of minor-league first-base coach Mike Coolbaugh, and the story of the future basketball star that never was.

Can't be too long before Matt Brown finds his way back on the Angels roster. The young infielder is off to the best start of his career. The Angels' Triple-A affiliate also is doing very well. Nick Green and Nick Adenhart should represent the next wave of talented Angels starting pitching. Here is the Angels' minor-league report on Salt Lake from Saturday's action:

SALT LAKE BEES (Class AAA) - Pacific Coast League - Record 15-1, 1st

The Salt Lake Bees won their seventh straight game and 15th in the first 16 games with an 8-3 win over the Portland Beavers (San Diego affiliate). Salt Lake took an 8-0 lead into the bottom of the eighth and three Bees’ pitchers combined on a three-hitter. 3B Matt Brown, who leads the minors in extra-base hits (16) and total bases (58), had three hits, including a double and a two-run home run with four RBI. RHP Nick Green (2-0) started and pitched six no-hit innings, giving up five walks and striking out two. RHP Jeff Kennard went two relief innings, giving up one run on a hit. RHP Matt Wilhite pitched the ninth, allowing two runs on two hits. The Bees have won a franchise-record nine straight games on the road.

The Angels announced after Friday's game that Howie Kendrick will head to the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Monday with a strained left hamstring and that infielder Sean Rodriguez will be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake. It will be Rodriguez's first stint on the big-league roster.

The way manager Mike Scioscia sounded before the Friday's game, Howie Kendrick might be going on the disabled list with a bum hamstring. Scioscia never likes to give away any information before he has to so it takes some reading betwen the lines sometimes to figure out what might be happening.

"(Kendrick) ran today," Scioscia said. "We'll evlauate him as the game goes on and after the game (to see) how he feels. We'll see how he comes out of it. He felt something there and we'll make a determination of how quickly he's moving in the right direction. It's getting better, but the pace of this is what we want to pay attention to."

The fact that Kendrick "felt something" is a setback. The need to evaluate him after the game sounds like a player might already be on the way from Triple-A Salt Lake (Brandon Wood? Matt Brown?)

"Today was his first real running and he felt it a little bit," Scioscia said again. "We'll see how it works through the days, how it feels after the game and we'll make a determination."

Scioscia said Thursday that a decision on Kendrick wouldn't be made until next week's series at Boston. The fact that something will be decided after today's game sounds like Kendrick is DL bound. Stay tuned.

Normally we refrain from mentioning other teams in this space, but sometimes there is something just too irresistible. In this video blog, Chicago Sun-Times White Sox beat writer Joe Cowley challenges catcher A.J. Pierzynski to throw him out in 10 stolen-base attempts. Pierzynski threw out just 16 percent of base stealers last season, but let's just say the predictable happens here.

Hey Cowley, you're a buddy of mine and you aren't afraid of much. Heck, you beat cancer. But your common-sense switch is officially damaged. Whoever agreed with you that this was a good idea probably makes fun of you in their spare time. That being said, I can't wait for the next installment of "Joe Meets Pro." It's like watching a car crash or something. Rumor has it that a video blog down the road might have our hero take swings against Bobby Jenks. Train wreck.

Not to worry, though. I have a way for you to get even. Put A.J. in the press box for 10 consecutive nights and see how he does with deadline approaching. Doesn't make for good theater like the base-stealing thing, but something tells me you can win that one. As long as there isn't a Steelers game on TV.

In case you haven't heard, or were wondering about the details, click here to find the info on Angels manager Mike Scioscia's youth clinic to take place Saturday in Thousand Oaks.

The Angels know how to hold off their opponents. When Scoring first, the Angels have one of the best win percentages in baseball. Here is the breakdown courtesy the Angels pr department and Stats Inc.:

Highest Win Pct When Scoring First — 2008 MLB

Marlins 4-0 1.000

Angels 7-1 .875

Padres 7-1 .875

Yankees 6-1 .857

Cardinals 10-2 .833

A nagging injury that has dogged Vladimir Guerrero for over a decade cost him a game Thursday, but isn't expected to keep him out of the lineup much longer.

Guerrero irritated the index finger on his left hand during an at-bat in the fifth inning Wednesday night against the Kansas City Royals when he grounded out to second base. He stayed in the game, though, grounding out in the seventh inning. He was removed for the ninth inning.

He was not in the starting lineup Wednesday, but figures to be ready to play today. Gary Matthews Jr. was in right and Juan Rivera was the designated hitter, just his second start this season.

Guerrero first injured the finger in 1996 when he was hit by a pitch at the Class-A level. He said that irritation typically starts every season at around 100 at-bats, but came a little early this year. Guerrero had 65 at-bats heading into Wednesday's game.

“Once it starts to swell up it doesn't go down (all season),” Guerrero said through broadcaster Jose Mota, who was serving as interpreter. “It's something I've lived with my whole career.”

The offense has been in a much better flow than in previous seasons, but it still didn't make it easier for Guerrero to miss a start.

“You don't want these things to happen and I don't think about what our offensive situation is,” Guerrero said. “I want to play. But when these things happen, the best thing to do is to bring in (somebody else). Hopefully it will be just one day.”

John Lackey was feeling just fine a day after a 20-pitch simulated game and will likely throw another one Saturday. In that simulated game Lackey will be extended to 35 or 40 pitches.

If all goes well in that outing, Lackey could be pitching in a minor-league rehab start – most likely with Rancho Cucamonga – by next week.

“If it feels like it did (Wednesday), I'll be ready to go (next week),” said Lackey, who has been on the disabled list since the start of the season with a strained right triceps.

With no chance at getting anything resembling decent playing time, the Angels optioned outfielder Reggie Willits to Triple-A Salt Lake today. Because it wouldn't hurt to have a fresh arm in the bullpen, the Angels then recalled right-hander Alex Serrano.

Serrano, 27, was 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA (6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 SO, 1 BK) in five games with Salt Lake. His first appearance with the Angel will be his major league debut. In 2007, Serrano finished 3-5 with four saves and a 5.04 ERA (69.2 IP – 39 ER) in 47 games with Salt Lake.

A native of Barcelona, Venezuela, Serrano signed with the Angels as a free agent, Dec. 20 2006. He was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by Colorado, March 16, 1998 and remained with the Rockies organization until he was first signed by the Angels, July 9, 2005. Serrano will wear uniform No. 68 for the Angels.

Willits, 26, was 1-for-1 with a double and two RBI in five games for the Angels this season. He owns a lifetime .292 (139/476) average with 38 RBI in 169 games.

It comes as no surprise that Vladimir Guerrero is the Angels batter who gets the best of Royals pitcher Gil Meche, who is on the mound tonight in the opener of a three-game series at Angel Stadium. Guerrero is 9-for-27 (.333) in his career against Meche with three home runs and six RBIs. He has only struck out twice against the right-hander.

So what Royals batter gets the best of Angels starter Jered Weaver, who is on the mound tonight? That would be none other than former Angel Jose Guillen (5-for-13, .385). Mark Teahen is 4-for-12 (.333) in his career against Weaver. No current member of the Royals roster has a home run against Weaver.

Seems like it would make sense to put Juan Rivera right back into the lineup tonight against the Texas Rangers. Rivera played Sunday and got his first hit and RBI of the season. Against tonight's Rangers starter, Jason Jennings, Rivera is 4-for-8 lifetime with a double. He does have three strikeouts, though. Manager Mike Scioscia has admitted it hasn't been easy to get at-bats for guys like Rivera and Reggie Willits.

"It's been tough," Scioscia said. "Right now we're trying to get our guys into the flow of the season that will normally be out there every day. There will come a time when Reggie and Juan are going to have to play to contribute and they will have to play to be able to contribute. I will look at that closely here in the next week but right now ... we want our guys who are going to be out there every day to keep moving toward the flow of the season. That's what we're looking at."

The Angels Triple-A affiliate at Salt Lake has been tearing up the Pacific Coast League during the first week of play. The Bees are still undefeated, which certainly proves one thing. If you never trade your prospects, you're sure to have one heck of a minor-league team somewhere in your system. Unfortunately, it doesn't mean all the club's minor-league affiliates are dominating. The Double-A team at Arkansas is 0-5 to start. Here is the Angels' minor-league report regarding last night's game for Salt Lake:

SALT LAKE BEES (Class AAA) - Pacific Coast League - Record 7-0

Continuing their best start to a season in franchise history, the Salt Lake Bees improved to 7-0 (all road games) with a 10-1 win over the Tucson Sidewinders (Arizona affiliate). RHP Shane Loux (pronounced “Lukes”) improved to 2-0 after throwing seven scoreless innings. Loux gave up five hits and one walk while striking out three. DH Matt Brown, who hit for the cycle Wednesday, continued his hot hitting, collecting a single, two doubles and three RBI. 3B Freddy Sandoval led Salt Lake’s 14-hit attack with four hits (including two doubles) and SS Brandon Wood added two hits, including a two-run home run.

No need to cruise the neighborhood to find items those around you are about to discard. Bring a fistful of cash to Angel Stadium tomorrow (Saturday, April 12) and walk away with things from the ball club. The Angels are having a first ever memorabilia yard sale. Among the items for purchase:

Stadium banners, game used jerseys and helmets, Angels t-shirts, baseballs, books, programs and more! All sales are final and purchases must be CASH ONLY. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Angels Baseball Foundation.

The "yard sale" begins at 10 a.m., or at 9 a.m. for season ticket holders. It will take place under the giant hats at the home plate entrance gates.

Mike Napoli just clobbered a grand slam over the left-field fence, his third HR of the season, to give the Angels a 4-0 lead over the Cleveland Indians in the second inning. After hitting just 10 home runs last season, Napoli looks to have found the form he displayed in his rookie season of 2006 when he pounded 16 home runs even though he was in the minor leagues for the forst month. It was the first slam of Napoli's career and his 4 RBI already are a career high for one game.

Napoli's grand slam follows one by Torii Hunter on Monday when he beat the Indians in the ninth inning. It is the first time the Angels have collected two grand slams in the same series since David Eckstein had grand slams on consecutive days, April 27 and 28, 2002 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

John Lackey, out since spring training with a strained right triceps, technically has already started throwing from a mound. During a flat-ground throwing session in the bullpen Tuesday, Lackey backed up and tried things from a mound for the first time in about a month.

"He was cheating," manager Mike Scioscia said before today's afternoon game against the Indians. "No, he didn't cheat, he was allowed to. The catcher was up a little bit so he was using the slope but wasn't throwing all the way. Tomorrow he's going to throw a full bullpen, just fastballs though."

When a pitcher goes all out in a bullpen session, Scioscia likes to call it "full gorilla." Lackey's bullpen Thursday will be a little less than that. Scioscia called it "orangutan."

Angels manager Mike Scioscia will conduct a free youth baseball clinic on Saturday, April 19 in conjunction with the Amateur Baseball Development Group. Age limits were not specified for the clinic that takes place between 10:30 a.m. and noon. It will be held at Conejo Creek Ballpark, 1300 E Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Select Angels players, coaches and broadcasters were also expected to attend, although none were specified. Participants are encouraged to bring any Angels items for an autograph session. For more information, go to www.abdg.org.

Francisco Rodriguez was upset with at the media Tuesday, but it was one story in particular that drew his ire. Rodriguez told the media gathering after his blown save Monday night that his two sore ankles won't require a stint on the DL. But it appeared on the Angels own website www.angelsbaseball.com that Rodriguez had said he would have to go on the DL. Not so.

His bum ankles might eventually require a DL stint but Rodriguez wanted to make it known he hasn't said that nor does he think the DL will be necessary. Rodriguez has been dealing with a bad left ankle since last season and over the weekend he tweaked his right ankle on the dugout steps. He will be out of action for the next couple of games as the Angels evaluate the situation. Here is the story that caused the trouble. As of game time Tuesday, the story was still available on the Angels' website.

By Doug Padilla
Staff Writer

ANAHEIM – Torii Hunter definitely earned his wings Monday.

One of the newest Angels refused to be denied, rallying his new club to a dramatic 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Indians with a game-ending grand slam in the ninth inning.

It was the second home run in two innings for Hunter, whose his solo shot in the eighth inning put the Angels on top by a run and appeared to set up a victory a few minutes earlier.

But that 2-1 lead was short-lived when Francisco Rodriguez registered his first blown save of the season. The Indians scored three runs in the ninth to take a 4-2 lead.

An out, two walks and a single later, Hunter had a second chance and this one was even sweeter than the first. Hunter's eighth-inning shot off Rafel Betancourt landed just left of the Angels' bullpen. His grand slam off Joe Borowski was tucked just inside the left-field foul pole and landed in the field-level seats.

“I'm still human,” Hunter said. “I'm trying to fit in and go out there and be myself but at the same time trying to please the fans and my teammates.”

Consider everybody pleased from those who remained of the crowd of 35,014 to the teammates that streamed out of the home dugout.

In Hunter's locker after the game, a Rally Monkey hung from a pair of bats. He has named the monkey “Rusty” but claimed to not know why.

Maybe it had something to do with his early-season struggles when Hunter went hitless in his first 10 at-bats. With four home runs in his last five games now, there is nothing rusty about the new guy.

“That's two big hits for a newcomer that I think is feeling real comfortable right now,” manager Mike Scioscia said.

It was the ninth multi-homer game of Hunter's career and his 10th grand slam. It was also the Angels' first walk-off grand slam since David Eckstein did it in April of 2002.

Read the rest Tuesday morning at www.dailynews.com/sports or at www.sgvtribune.com/sports.

John Lackey had another throwing session on flat ground, pitching at about medium speed before Monday's game. Manager Mike Scioscia said he expects Lackey to throw from a mound at some point in the middle of this week. It will be the first time the-right-hander has thrown from a mound since spring training. An MRI on March 14 confirmed that Lackey had a strained right triceps.

Howie Kendrick had to leave Monday's game in the fourth inning with a jammed right thumb. The injury occurred during his ground out to shortstop in the third inning. Erick Aybar replaced Kendrick at the plate and then played shortstop while Maicer Izturis moved to second base. Kendrick is being listed as day to day. Last season Kendrick had two stints on the disabled list, one for a fracture of his left index finger and another for a fracture of his left middle finger

It was only a slight pinch in his side that forced Torii Hunter out of Sunday's game against the Texas Rangers. Hunter was feeling much better Monday and was back in the starting lineup against the Cleveland Indians. Manager Mike Scioscia said Hunter strained something near his hip during an at-bat Sunday.

"He's fine, he could have played," Scioscia said. "We took him out as something precautionary. It softened down after the game no problems. Today he feels good. It doesn't affect him really doing anything so he's good to go."

The Angels made it official this afternoon, activating right-handed reliever Scot Shields form the disabled list. Shields had been on the DL since the start of the season with a tight forearm. He pitched one inning Thursday in a minor-league rehab outing for Triple-A Salt Lake and struck out the side. He did give up two hits in the inning, though. The DL stint was the first of Shields' career.

In what came as no surprise, right-hander Rich Thompson was optioned to Salt Lake to make room on the roster for Shields. Thompson made his season debut Friday night and gave up five runs in an inning.

By Doug Padilla
Staff Writer

ANAHEIM – Torii Hunter set foot into the home clubhouse at Angel Stadium for just the second time ever Friday and boy how comfortable it felt.

The 11-6 defeat to the Texas Rangers in the home opener wasn't exactly what Hunter was looking for, but it felt good to be looking forward again after a four-day retrospective at his former stomping grounds.

Those four games at Minnesota to open the season put the former Twins standout into the emotional blender. Any more of that and Hunter would have been exhausted before the season got into full swing.

Hunter was happy, sad, confused, bewildered and ultimately grew irritated as his emotions took their toll this week. After nine seasons in the Twin Cities, most of them as the face of the Twins franchise, all the memories were coming back at once.

Hunter admitted that before Opening Day on Monday, after he conducted a press conference and the media had left the clubhouse, he took a moment for himself and the tears started to flow.

“I was fighting that one,” he said. “I teared up in the locker room but I wasn't going to let y'all see it.”

Friday night at Angel Stadium against the Texas Rangers was more like it. Hunter felt like a ballplayer again, no longer a conflicted man on a pedestal.

“I feel like I'm just rejuvenated,” Hunter said before his first home opener that wasn't under a roof. “It's totally different from Minnesota to here. Coming here I just feel like it's new and it's cool.

“At Minnesota man, I went in and everything was backward. Walking into the stadium it seemed like I was going into the wrong clubhouse. I was stepping to the plate from the wrong dugout. It was wild. It was something totally different. I can't explain it to anybody, I just had to go through it.”

Even on the playing field at the Metrodome, the spot that used to be his sanctuary, Hunter couldn't escape.

“To hear the fans out there say we miss you, we love you, this and that, it hits you,” Hunter said. “I'm human. You try to stay focused and do what you have to do and the next thing you know ... it's hard.”

He even stopped a pregame interview session Friday saying that his emotions were starting to get the best of him again..

“I'm not a bad guy, I just don't want to talk about it,” he said.

If his first home at-bat in an Angels uniform was any indication, things are going to be just fine wearing Angels red. He ripped a single into left field to open the second inning but was stranded on base. He ended the night with three singles and a walk.

In the Minnesota series it was a much rougher start. Hunter opened his Angels career without a hit in his first 10 at-bats as he tried to adjust.

“It was a little bit of everything,” he said. “I hit some balls hard, just right at them. I had some at-bats that could have been affected (by emotions). But I have no excuses. I've been 0-for-10 before. I've been there, done that and it's going to happen again. Believe me.”

The Angels will be just fine with some slight peaks and valleys as long as the final numbers remain consistent. In the last six seasons that Hunter has played at least 100 games, he has averaged 27 home runs and 96 RBI.

After winning the last seven consecutive Gold Glove Awards in center field, Hunter's defense figures to be above average.

“I don't think he has to carry the organization,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “He has a chance to be an impact player from both the defensive side and the offensive side, hitting in the middle of the lineup which carries a weight of its own. He brings a Gold Glove presence to center field. (By) running the bases, he can impact a game.

“He just needs to play his game. There are no expectations from anybody to be the guy that says, 'Hey get on my shoulders and I'll lead you all the way.'”

doug.padilla@sgvn.com

John Lackey, who is on the disabled list with a a strained right triceps, was examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum on Friday and it was determined there were “no new findings.” Lackey was cleared to progress with his throwing program, which means he could soon be advancing from flat ground to a mound.

The right-hander still is expected to go on a rehab assignment before he returns from the DL.

Scot Shields' evening in Las Vegas on Thursday did not involve counting cards, more like counting first-pitch strikes.

Shields was in the Angels clubhouse before Friday's home opener beaming about his rehab start for Triple-A Salt Lake in a game played at Vegas. Five first-pitch strikes to all five batters he faced told Shields that he not only feels healthy again but is back on his game.

He was placed on the 15-day disabled list at the start of the season because of tightness in his right forearm. Manager Mike Scioscia said that Shields will be activated today barring any setback from a flat-ground throwing session Friday.

“(Thursday) night I could have pitched at this level with the stuff I had,” said Shields, who struggled to throw first-pitch strikes during spring training. “I could have been successful with the stuff I had (Thursday) night. Hopefully that means I'll be ready to go here soon.”

Originally the Angels had expected to activate Shields by Sunday, but that was when they thought he would have his rehab outing on Friday instead of Thursday.

In his one inning of work against Las Vegas, Shields gave up a double and a single but also struck out the side.

“All the good things you were looking for were there,” manager Mike Scioscia said.

To make room on the roster for Shields, the Angels will likely send down Darren O'Day, Jason Bulger or Rich Thompson. Neither Thompson nor Bulger pitched in the four-game series at Minnesota. O'Day pitched in two games and gave up four hits but didn't allow a run.

The first Angels home game of the season is less than an hour away and here is the lineup:

Chone Figgins 3B
Gary Matthews Jr. CF
Vladimir Guerrero RF
Torii Hunter CF
Garret Anderson DH
Howie Kendrick 2B
Robb Quinlan 1B
Mike Napoli C
Maicer Izturis SS

Dustin Moseley P

Quinlan gets the start at first over Casey Kotchman with the Rangers throwing left-hander Kason Gabbard. Manager Mike Scioscia was asked before the game if Juan Rivera might be the first baseman against left-handers later in the season.

"There is a challenge here to get a lot of guys on our bench some at-bats," Scioscia said. "Juan is one of them, Q is one of them. We have to get Reggie (Willits) in there to find a role and see what they can do. We're going to take it one step at a time. Q will get some at-bats today and we think it's a good matchup for Q.

"On the defensive end Juan has made some progress (at first base) but I don't think it's the right game to get him in there with a contact pitcher (Moseley) and a lot of left-handed (Rangers) hitters. I think Q handles that position fine. We'll get some at-bats for Juan, it's just a tough time right now."

In addition to broadcasting 100 Angels games this year, Fox Sports Net West has a gaggle of new original programing this season all based on the Angels. The station claims to have 70 hours of Angels subjects to air, not counting the games of course. Here is a list of what is to come, followed by the date it is scheduled to debut:

In My Own Words: Justin Speier; Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
In My Own Words: Scot Shields; Thursday April 17, 6:30 p.m.
In My Own Words: Garret Anderson; April 28, 6:30 p.m. for Part I; April 29, 6:30 p.m. for Part II
Before the Bigs: Jon Garland; May 13, 6:30 p.m.
Angels Insider: Baseball Fundamentals; May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Angels Insider: On the Nimitz; May 15, 6:30 p.m.

Shows in development for this season:
Before the Bigs: Howie Kendrick
In My Own Words: Frankie Rodriguez
In My Own Words: Torii Hunter
Angels Insider: Tony Reagins
Angels Insider: Angels Farm System
Angels Insider: Mike Scioscia

Just four days into the season and already the Angels are on top of the AL West at 3-1. It is no surprise to many, like the Texas Rangers' Michael Young, who expected as much. With the Rangers coming to town Friday night for the Angels' home opener perhaps the Rangers will be trying to make a statement. Here's what Young, a Southern California native and Bishop Amat HS alum, had to say about the AL West earlier this spring:

"The West always is a challenge," Young said. "The Angels are always a very competitive team and they are the defending champs so everything goes right through Anaheim. Seattle is obviously is a lot better and no matter what anybody says about what Oakland did this offseason, they're always good, they are always trying to win games.

"It's gong to be a challenge for us but I think that's what you want. You want to know that if you go out and have a productive season and can battle your way into the postseason."

OK, we will excuse the Associated Press writer for choosing Torii Hunter over Ervin Santana for the main subject of his game story. The writer is from Minnesota, after all, and Hunter hitting a home run against his old team certainly is big n