Napoli is likely going to start Game 2 for Angels

rsanrel — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:08:23 +0000

Scioscia opts for more offense as the series goes on.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia preaches defense-first when it comes to choosing a catcher. But it will be Mike Napoli’s more potent bat in the lineup for at least the next two games against the Red Sox.

Jeff Mathis started Game 1 with John Lackey on the mound. Lackey’s starts might be the only post-season work Mathis gets.

Scioscia said Napoli will catch Jered Weaver in tonight’s Game 2. Scott Kazmir is scheduled to start Game 3 Sunday in Fenway Park. Napoli has been behind the plate for five of Kazmir’s six starts since he was acquired from Tampa Bay.

“Mike has worked well with Jered recently,” Scioscia said of Napoli who caught six of Weaver’s final eight starts of the regular season. “And Nap has a good rapport going with Kaz.”

Scioscia said his decisions on which catcher to use in the playoffs are “made with the same criteria” as they are during the regular season and he is no more swayed by Napoli’s offensive potential now than he was then.

Click here to read the full article – By BILL PLUNKETT of Ocregister.com

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Angels’ Mike Scioscia going ‘right’ off bat against Boston

rsanrel — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:33:09 +0000

Angels manager will start right-handers John Lackey and Jered Weaver in first two games of division series, with lefties Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders slated for Games 3 and 4 in Fenway.

Reporting from Oakland – There were no surprises Sunday when Manager Mike Scioscia announced his playoff rotation and roster. John Lackey, as expected, will start Game 1 of the division series against the Boston Red Sox in Angel Stadium and will be followed by Jered Weaver in Game 2.

Left-handers Scott Kazmir and Joe Saunders are scheduled to pitch Games 3 and 4, respectively, in Fenway Park, with right-hander Ervin Santana going to the bullpen for the first round.

The Angels will go with a 10-man pitching staff, with Brian Fuentes, Kevin Jepsen, Darren Oliver, Matt Palmer and, assuming he recovers from shoulder tightness that knocked him out of Saturday’s game, Jason Bulger joining Santana in the bullpen.

The bench will feature a third catcher — Bobby Wilson — outfielders Reggie Willits and Gary Matthews Jr., and corner infielder/outfielder Robb Quinlan, who edged out Brandon Wood for the final roster spot.

Willits, Scioscia said, “gives us versatility in that we can plug him into situations late, whether it’s to pinch-run, get a bunt down or play defense. He brings a lot there.”

Click here to read the full article – By Mike DiGiovanna of LAtimes.com

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Napoli is likely going to start Game 2 for Angels

Angels’ Mike Scioscia going ‘right’ off bat against Boston