- The Angels’ website is not relenting in their efforts to curse the Angels’ bullpen by saying the relievers, especially Scot Shields are ready to rebound.
- In order to not have two guys making their season debut at the same time, Joe Saunders is getting his start pushed back to Friday. Not a bad maneuver considering that Saunders is coming off a complete game and might still be a bit tired, not to mention that the bullpen might be taxed trying to pick up the slack for two returning starters who might not be able to go deep into the game.
- Tony Reagins’ answer to why Wood is playing shortstop again, “No reason. We still plan to play him at both short and third [base] there.” That answers concerns me because he is either lying for a dubious reason or telling the truth and the Angels really have no plan for Wood.
- Mike Napoli and Darren Oliver are on a new diet and it is paying off. Napoli is definitely looking a lot slimmer these days and playing well. Now if the dietitians could just let him know that his weight loss doesn’t mean he has the green light to steal bases, we’d be set.
- As expected, Lackey and Santana’s respective returns mean Shane Loux will be moving to the bullpen for now. With the way Mike Scioscia was talking, it sounds like they still have plans for Loux, which could mean Jason Bulger is headed for waivers once John Lackey is activated.
- Further damning Bulger’s chances of keeping a roster spot, the Angels are on the verge of signing Rudy Seanez to a minor-league deal. Let’s hope the Angels don’t consider the 40-year old journeyman reliever a cure for the bullpen. Since he isn’t even getting a 40-man roster spot, it seems like he is more of an insurance policy than someone who will soon be playing a featured role in the bullpen.
- Another day, another article downplaying Bobby Abreu’s complete and total lack of power this season. Also in that piece, it is confirmed that Rafael Rodriguez will be optioned back to Triple-A Salt Lake to clear a roster spot for Santana.
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