Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Wiretap

Angels Scratch Santana With Inflammation

Angels right-hander Ervin Santana was scratched from his Cactus League start Tuesday after bumping his elbow at home.

The Angels were quick to say that the injury has no relation to the elbow soreness that caused Santana to miss six weeks of last season.

Via ESPN


Matsui Makes Outfield Debut For Angels

Hideki Matsui made his outfield debut for the Angels on Monday afternoon in a Cactus League game against the Dodgers.

Matsui got his first start in the outfield since June 15, 2008, playing left and batting fourth.

"He could play in Fenway Park or anywhere," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He needs to get his prep steps, how he feels during games and -- even more important -- the next day.

"If you're going to play a full game, you're talking about 150 prep steps if the pitchers throw 150 pitches. Not that he's going to play a full game -- I imagine it'll be somewhere around four innings."

Via MLB.com


Hunter Vows To Watch What He Tells Media

Angels center fielder Torii Hunter is going to watch what he tells reporters in the wake of comments made about the number of black players in baseball.

Hunter said that many feel as though there are more black players in the league because of the increasing number of dominican guys.

"If it's not about baseball, I'm not going to talk about it," said Hunter. "I know what I am. Don't always believe what you read."

Hunter said his comments about dark-skinned players from the Dominican Republic being "imposters" because they are perceived by some as being African American were "distorted and taken out of context."

"What troubles me most was the word ?imposters' appearing in reference to Latin American players not being black players," Hunter said. "It was the wrong word choice, and it definitely doesn't accurately reflect how I feel and who I am.

"What I meant was they're not black players; they're Latin American players. There is a difference culturally. But on the field, we're all brothers."

Via Los Angeles Times


Angels Mar 2010 Archive