Angels Report 8/3

Anaheim Angels - The Angels are 53-57 and they are 14.5 games out of first place. They are 10 games behind the A's and 11 games out of the wild card.

LATEST TEAM INFO

"Angels look for turnaround"

The Angels head out of town in the midst of a big-time slump. Anaheim lost eight of 10 games on their recently completed homestand and now must travel to Boston and Cleveland for seven games in six days with a record of 53-57. It is the first time the Angels have been four games under the .500 mark since they left Toronto on May 4 with a 13-17 record.

The problem for the Angels of late has been offensive woes. They've scored 15 total runs in their last 10 games and were shut out for the eighth time this season Sunday when Blue Jays right-hander Kelvim Escobar pitched 8 1/3 strong innings and prevailed, 4-0. Source: MLB.com

Deadline News

The trade deadline has come and gone and its looks as if the defending world champion Anaheim Angels are not going to be playing in the post season this year. They did not make any deals to try and make a push towards winning the wild card. With the way the season has gone this year they may have felt that they were too far out and they would just prepare to make a run next season.

The Angels sent out their third pitcher in three days when they released struggling right-hander Kevin Appier on July 30. Appier, 35, was 7-7 with a 5.63 ERA in 19 starts this season while pitching with a sore elbow and a strained right forearm that kept him on the disabled list for 13 games. On July 29, he threw 43 pitches and didn't make it out of the first inning against the Yankees -- allowing four runs on five hits and retiring only two of eight batters. Appier will receive the $3,666,667 that he is owed from his $11 million salary this season and the $12 million he is due in 2004. He won a career-high 18 games in 1993, when he led the AL with a 2.56 ERA. Source: ESPN

The Angels traded left-hander Scott Schoeneweis and a minor leaguer to the White Sox on July 29 in exchange for reliever Gary Glover and two minor leaguers. The Angels also acquired right-hander Scott Dunn and left-hander Tim Bittner, and sent right-hander Doug Nickle to the White Sox in the deal. Schoeneweis, the Angels only lefty in their bullpen, made 47 starts the previous two years but has been used exclusively in relief this season by manager Mike Scioscia. Source: ESPN

PLAYER NEWS

Troy Glaus- Troy Glaus might hit as the designated hitter in a few minor-league games next week.

Tim Salmon - He was back in the lineup after missing three games with back spasms. He was used as the designated hitter and he went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Alfredo Amezaga - This shortstop prospect made his first professional start at third base on friday Friday. Amezaga went 0-for-3 to stay hitless in his first 10 major league at-bats, but handled the new position well in the field.

Ramon Ortiz- He worked seven scoreless innings to earn a win Friday against the Jays. Ortiz gave up just three hits, but because he walked five, he was removed after seven.

Jarrod Washburn- He was tagged for six runs in 5 1/3 innings Saturday in a loss to the Blue Jays. The line isn't very impressive, but Washburn is throwing better recently. This is a great time to attempt to acquire him in your league. His next four starts will come against the Indians, the White Sox and two games against the Tigers.

Scot Shields - He make his first start since replacing Kevin Appier in the rotation, allowed four runs in five-plus innings against the Blue Jays. Shields, who struck out eight, pitched well until giving up three runs in the sixth. Feel free to activate him for his next outing.

INJURY REPORT

3B Troy Glaus Shoulder DL
DH Brad Fullmer Knee DL
RP Matt Wise Elbow DL

PITCHING MATCH-UPS

Tue. 5 @ Boston - Lackey (7-10) vs Suppan (10-7)
Wed. 6 @ Boston - Sele (6-8) vs Martinez (7-2)

RUMOR CENTRAL

Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said the team probably would be active in free agency this winter. Some tempting potential free agents include Montreal right fielder Vladimir Guerrero and pitchers Bartolo Colon (Chicago), Kevin Millwood (Philadelphia) and Sidney Ponson (San Francisco). They also could reopen trade talks this winter for Kansas City outfielder Carlos Beltran, their top choice.

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