ANGELS NOTEBOOK: MATCHUP MAY HAVE FUTURE IMPLICATIONS.Byline: Keven Chavez Staff Writer ANAHEIM - Angels manager Mike Scioscia The Angels don't pay attention to the standings. But after the Angels and the Red Sox - two American League American League (AL) One of the two associations of professional baseball teams in the U.S. and Canada designated as major leagues; the other is the National League (NL). division leaders and two of the past three World Series champions - banged heads this weekend, it's difficult not to look at these four games as more than just an average series. If the playoffs began today, the Angels and Red Sox would be right back here at Angel Stadium, opening up a five-game division series in a rematch of last year's postseason sweep by Boston. ``You had two good teams going at each other,'' Scioscia said after the Angels' 5-1 loss on Sunday. ``Two good teams with a little different styles of how each one of them is in first place right now. ``I think both teams match up. Things we can do they're going to have to try and stop, and obviously some things they do will be a challenge for us to stop.'' The Angels did see two things from the Red Sox they're quite unlikely to see in future matchups - a bunt single by David Ortiz David Ortiz (born November 18, 1975 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball designated hitter who has played for the Boston Red Sox since 2003. Previously, Ortiz played for the Minnesota Twins (1997-2002). and a relief appearance by Curt Schilling Curtis Montague (Curt) Schilling (born November 14, 1966 in Anchorage, Alaska) is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He has won World Series championships in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in 2004 with the Red Sox, and is . In the eighth inning, Ortiz, one of baseball's most feared sluggers, came to the plate immediately following a two-out, three-run home run by Edgar Renteria. The Angels' defense played their usual shift, with shortstop Orlando Cabrera Orlando Luis Cabrera (born November 2, 1974 in Cartagena, Colombia) is a Major League Baseball shortstop who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He bats and throws right-handed. on the right side of second base, where Ortiz grounded out in the sixth inning. This time, Ortiz laid down a perfect bunt single. Schilling's experiment as a reliever came to an end Sunday. Schilling, who is expected to rejoin the Red Sox's starting rotation this week, surrendered three hits and the Angels' only run during a shaky ninth inning. --Walk this way: The Angels and Vladimir Guerrero Vladimir Alvino Guerrero (born February 9, 1976 in Don Gregorio, Nizao, Dominican Republic), and known in his native Dominican Republic as Miquéas (Spanish for Micah), is a Major League Baseball right fielder who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. in particular got a taste of what they can expect during the pennant stretch and potential postseason. Cabrera hit a first-inning double and advanced to third on a groundout, but with two outs and first base open, Guerrero was intentionally walked. It was the 17th time Guerrero has been intentionally walked - an Angels record - and the ninth time in 10 games that he has received a free pass. --Anderson update: Left fielder Garret Anderson Garret Joseph Anderson (born June 30, 1972 in Los Angeles, California) is a Major League Baseball left fielder who has played his entire career for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. , who missed his eighth consecutive game Sunday with irritation in his right lower back and tendinitis in his left knee, took batting practice in the batting cage Noun 1. batting cage - a movable screen placed behind home base to catch balls during batting practice cage baseball equipment - equipment used in playing baseball and could be ready to return as designated hitter when the Angels begin a road trip in Baltimore on Tuesday. ``Garret's legs feel better, his back's OK, he should be good to go Tuesday,'' Scioscia said. ``We'll break him in a little bit slowly.'' |
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