ANGELS NOTEBOOK: FILLING A NEED FOR SPEED.Byline: DOUG PADILLA Douglas ("Doug") Padilla (born October 4, 1956 in Oakland, California) is a former middle and long distance runner from the United States, who won the overall Grand Prix 1985 and the World Cup 5000m race in 1985. Staff Writer ANAHEIM -- If anything, the speedy lineup the Angels employed Sunday accelerated the pace of play. Sunday's series finale
A series finale is the very last installment of a television series, usually a sitcom or drama. against the Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are a professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the White Sox have played in U.S. was moving along at a brisk pace before an A.J. Pierzynski home run sent it into extra innings Noun 1. extra innings - overtime play until one team is ahead at the end of an inning; e.g. baseball extra time, overtime - playing time beyond regulation, to break a tie . With Gary Matthews
For the son, see Gary Matthews Jr. Reggie Willits Reggie Gene Willits (born May 30, 1981, in Chickasha, Oklahoma) is a Major League Baseball outfielder with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, and he played Junior College Baseball at Seminole State in Seminole, OK. and Chone Figgins were at the top of the order, while Erick Aybar and Tommy Murphy were toward the bottom. Counting major-league and minor-league numbers, those four accounted for 130 stolen bases last season. Throw in Orlando Cabrera, who was batting third, and the total jumps to 157 steals from the 2006 season. "We're just trying to get some continuity and win some games, and it's obviously a thing where we have good speed in our lineup," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We didn't just try to force speed into the lineup. It's just the guys we have right now." So what ended up happening? The Angels stole no bases Sunday. Part of the problem, which also assisted in the pace of play, was quick- working White Sox starter Mark Buehrle. The left-hander offered the Angels few chances to run, and the few they got Buehrle neutralized with one of the best pickoff pick·off n. 1. Baseball A play in which a runner is caught off base and is put out by a quick throw, as from the pitcher or catcher. 2. Sports An interception, as in football. moves in baseball. Until Anderson returns from the hip injury that likely will have him out for a month, the Angels figure to use speed as their main offensive weapon. Quinlan gets on track: Robb Quinlan finally seems to be rounding into form, showing his typical deft touch against left-handers. Quinlan had two doubles, a home run and three RBIs against Buehrle in just his fourth start of the season at first base. A career .324 hitter against left-handers, Quinlan entered the game batting .160 against lefties this season. With Shea Hillenbrand's struggles, Quinlan could be in position to get some at-bats as the designated hitter even with a right-hander on the mound. "If guys are swinging the bat, they're going to earn playing time," Scioscia said. "As (Quinlan) would heat up, we would try to get his bat in the lineup in more ways and see where it matches up." Speier not available: Justin Speier returned to the clubhouse, but was not available for Sunday's game. Manager Mike Scioscia said newly implemented privacy rules prevented him from disclosing a non-baseball related injury or illness. Speier said he had the flu Saturday and was still too weak to pitch Sunday. Scioscia could not say why Speier was not on hand for Saturday's game, raising red flags and warning signs of a possible bigger issue. Timeline for Izturis: Maicer Izturis, on the disabled list with a tight right hamstring, is expected to begin running Tuesday and should be ready to return when his DL stint ends May 15. |
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