ANAHEIM - The Angels open perhaps the most critical four-game series of the season today with four games against the A's in Oakland.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia used Sunday's game against the Rangers to rest three starters who are battling minor ailments. Outfielder Garret Anderson suffered a minor right-hamstring strain in Saturday's game; second baseman Adam Kennedy (flu) and shortstop David Eckstein (hip flexor) also did not start.
Anderson, who leads the team with 26 home runs and 114 RBI, suffered a similar injury this season.
Scioscia said Anderson's hamstring was "a little tight' but improved Sunday and the outfielder's status is day-to-day.
"We'll see. If he needs another day we'll give it to him,' Scioscia said. "We're at the juncture of the season where you're looking to play through some things. But you've got to make sure the guys aren't at risk.
"If he needs another day, we'll give it to him, and we'll get him to the point where he isn't risking himself.'
Tough road: The Angels have the formidable task of facing the A's pitching foursome of Cory Lidle, Mark Mulder, Barry Zito and Tim Hudson in this week's four-game series. Tonight, Anaheim will counter with rookie right-hander John Lackey, but Scioscia has not announced a rotation for the remaining three games.
Mickey Callaway's normal spot in the rotation falls Tuesday, but Jarrod Washburn and Kevin Appier could have their normal spots moved up.
"We're still looking at that and should have a decision within the next two days,' Scioscia said. "We have some options down the road.'
Appier, tentatively scheduled to start Thursday, lasted only 3 innings Saturday.
"He was short on his pitch (count), so he could come back earlier if needed,' Scioscia said. 'We have some things to look at.'
Possible scenario: If the Mariners continue to fade and the Angels and Oakland remain neck-and-neck, the Angels could face a similar scenario as the Dodgers did in 1996.
Both the Dodgers and Padres had assured playoff berths by the final day of the season and some Dodgers indicated winning the division was irrelevant since the wild card was in hand. The Padres then beat the Dodgers 2-0 in 11 innings to win the division and force the Dodgers to play Atlanta in the Division Series. They were swept by the Braves.
While Scioscia refuses to publicly entertain such possibilities - "We'll let you guys count the numbers you want to count; we're in this position because our focus is where it needs to be,' he said - Washburn said there's no doubt how the Angels would feel about resting up for a playoff opener or going all out to win a division title.
"This team has a lot of pride,' he said. "I don't think we're going to settle for second and just making the playoffs. Winning the division was our goal at the start of spring training. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that winning the division is what we want.'
Perhaps as important a factor as pride, a division title means the Angels would likely avoid the New York Yankees in the first round.
Minor moves: The Angels recalled right-handers Lou Pote and Francisco Rodriguez from Triple-A Salt Lake before Sunday's game.
The team will recall infielder Alfredo Ameazaga and catcher Sal Fasano before today's game. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Elvin Nina will be designated for assignment.
Pote began the season with Anaheim before being optioned to Salt Lake on July 26. Pote was 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in seven starts with the Stingers.
Rodriguez, 20, split time between Salt Lake and Double-A Arkansas and is considered one of the Angels' top prospects. Rodriguez combined for 120 strikeouts and 15 saves in 83 innings in the minors this season. Scioscia said he would not hesitate to use the rookie in the team's final 13 games.
"He's here to get hitters out and help get us to the playoffs,' Scioscia said. "We are not afraid to use anybody.' Matchup: Angels rookie right-hander John Lackey (8-3, 3.65) will oppose Oakland's Cory Lidle (8-10) in the first game of a critical four-game series between AL West leaders. Lackey and Lidle started in last Wednesday's 6-5 Angels victory over the A's, but neither pitcher was involved in the decision. Lackey has won his last three decisions. The Angels and A's have split 16 head-to-head games this season.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia used Sunday's game against the Rangers to rest three starters who are battling minor ailments. Outfielder Garret Anderson suffered a minor right-hamstring strain in Saturday's game; second baseman Adam Kennedy (flu) and shortstop David Eckstein (hip flexor) also did not start.
Anderson, who leads the team with 26 home runs and 114 RBI, suffered a similar injury this season.
Scioscia said Anderson's hamstring was "a little tight' but improved Sunday and the outfielder's status is day-to-day.
"We'll see. If he needs another day we'll give it to him,' Scioscia said. "We're at the juncture of the season where you're looking to play through some things. But you've got to make sure the guys aren't at risk.
"If he needs another day, we'll give it to him, and we'll get him to the point where he isn't risking himself.'
Tough road: The Angels have the formidable task of facing the A's pitching foursome of Cory Lidle, Mark Mulder, Barry Zito and Tim Hudson in this week's four-game series. Tonight, Anaheim will counter with rookie right-hander John Lackey, but Scioscia has not announced a rotation for the remaining three games.
Mickey Callaway's normal spot in the rotation falls Tuesday, but Jarrod Washburn and Kevin Appier could have their normal spots moved up.
"We're still looking at that and should have a decision within the next two days,' Scioscia said. "We have some options down the road.'
Appier, tentatively scheduled to start Thursday, lasted only 3 innings Saturday.
"He was short on his pitch (count), so he could come back earlier if needed,' Scioscia said. 'We have some things to look at.'
Possible scenario: If the Mariners continue to fade and the Angels and Oakland remain neck-and-neck, the Angels could face a similar scenario as the Dodgers did in 1996.
Both the Dodgers and Padres had assured playoff berths by the final day of the season and some Dodgers indicated winning the division was irrelevant since the wild card was in hand. The Padres then beat the Dodgers 2-0 in 11 innings to win the division and force the Dodgers to play Atlanta in the Division Series. They were swept by the Braves.
While Scioscia refuses to publicly entertain such possibilities - "We'll let you guys count the numbers you want to count; we're in this position because our focus is where it needs to be,' he said - Washburn said there's no doubt how the Angels would feel about resting up for a playoff opener or going all out to win a division title.
"This team has a lot of pride,' he said. "I don't think we're going to settle for second and just making the playoffs. Winning the division was our goal at the start of spring training. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that winning the division is what we want.'
Perhaps as important a factor as pride, a division title means the Angels would likely avoid the New York Yankees in the first round.
Minor moves: The Angels recalled right-handers Lou Pote and Francisco Rodriguez from Triple-A Salt Lake before Sunday's game.
The team will recall infielder Alfredo Ameazaga and catcher Sal Fasano before today's game. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Elvin Nina will be designated for assignment.
Pote began the season with Anaheim before being optioned to Salt Lake on July 26. Pote was 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in seven starts with the Stingers.
Rodriguez, 20, split time between Salt Lake and Double-A Arkansas and is considered one of the Angels' top prospects. Rodriguez combined for 120 strikeouts and 15 saves in 83 innings in the minors this season. Scioscia said he would not hesitate to use the rookie in the team's final 13 games.
"He's here to get hitters out and help get us to the playoffs,' Scioscia said. "We are not afraid to use anybody.' Matchup: Angels rookie right-hander John Lackey (8-3, 3.65) will oppose Oakland's Cory Lidle (8-10) in the first game of a critical four-game series between AL West leaders. Lackey and Lidle started in last Wednesday's 6-5 Angels victory over the A's, but neither pitcher was involved in the decision. Lackey has won his last three decisions. The Angels and A's have split 16 head-to-head games this season.
