It was another transitional offseason for the Angels as they watched key players John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins leave as free agents while division rivals Seattle and Texas seemed to improve. The Angels have pinned their hopes on the continued development of young players, such as Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar, who had breakout seasons in 2009 and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who anchor a deep rotation. The Angels still might be the most complete team in the AL West, but the gap clearly has narrowed. ARRIVALS: RHP Joel Pineiro (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Fernando Rodney (free agent from Tigers), OF/DH Hideki Matsui (free agent from Yankees), RHP Brian Stokes (trade with Mets). DEPARTURES: RHP John Lackey (free agent, signed with Red Sox), 3B Chone Figgins (free agent, signed with Mariners), OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero (free agent, signed with Rangers), LHP Darren Oliver (free agent, signed with Rangers), RHP Kelvim Escobar (free agent, signed with Mets), OF Gary Matthews Jr. (traded to Mets), RHP Jose Arredondo (free agent, signed minor league deal with Reds), RHP Shane Loux (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Dustin Moseley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees). PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Jered Weaver 2. RHP Ervin Santana 3. LHP Joe Saunders 4. LHP Scott Kazmir 5. RHP Joel Pineiro The departure of John Lackey leaves the Angels' rotation without a clear ace. But the additions of Scott Kazmir by trade last season and Joel Pineiro as a free agent this winter gives them 1-through-5 depth as good as any in the league. Ervin Santana could be the key to elevating this group to an even higher level. An All-Star in 2008, Santana was hampered by a partially torn ligament in his elbow last season. If he is healthy, Santana has a dynamic power repertoire. PROJECTED BULLPEN: LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Scot Shields RHP Kevin Jepsen RHP Jason Bulger RHP Brian Stokes/Matt Palmer The Angels' signing of Fernando Rodney is insurance against Scot Shields' recovery from knee surgery and Brian Fuentes' less than dominating performance at closer (despite a major league-leading 48 saves in 2009). Rodney could slide into either the setup or closer role at times. Shields was one of the most dependable setup men in baseball from 2006 through 2008. If he recovers from knee surgery to regain that form, the Angels' bullpen could be deep and formidable with Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger building on the progress they showed in 2009. Brian Stokes, acquired from the Mets in a trade for Gary Matthews Jr., and Matt Palmer will likely compete for the final spot in the bullpen. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. SS Erick Aybar 2. RF Bobby Abreu 3. 1B Kendry Morales 4. CF Torii Hunter 5. DH Hideki Matsui 6. LF Juan Rivera 7. 2B Howie Kendrick 8. 3B Brandon Wood 9. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis The Angels expect Matsui to replace Guerrero's production. Replacing Figgins at the top of the lineup will be more difficult. He developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball last season. Aybar led the team with a .312 batting average last season but has shown little of the plate discipline needed from a leadoff hitter. If he can't fill the leadoff void, manager Mike Scioscia will probably turn to INF Maicer Izturis. But playing Izturis means taking at-bats away from youngsters Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood (at second base or third base). Kendrick must continue the bounce back he showed after a midseason demotion to Class AAA last year, and Morales must follow up on his MVP-caliber season last year with more of the same. PROJECTED RESERVES: C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis INF Maicer Izturis INF Robb Quinlan OF Reggie Willits OF Terry Evans The Angels decided it was necessary to trade Gary Matthews Jr. and his contract. But the move leaves them thin in the outfield, their most vulnerable position because of the ages of Hunter, Abreu and Matsui. Willits and Evans offer the only depth there. Izturis will see plenty of action in the starting lineup in a "super-utility" role. Mathis and Napoli will once again share the catching duties, and Bobby Wilson will get an outside chance to make the team as a third catcher. MEDICAL WATCH: --CF Torii Hunter (groin) felt discomfort in the area where he had surgery for a sports hernia but was told it was just scar tissue breaking apart. He was held out of games for a week but should be OK. --OF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the entire season. He had been a candidate for a reserve outfield spot. --RHP Scot Shields (patellar tendon surgery on left knee in June 2009) is expected to be ready for opening day.

--OF Bobby Abreu missed a week's worth of games because of a sore muscle in his rib cage. He returned to Cactus League action on March 19 and homered in his first at-bat. --SS Erick Aybar has been held out of games because of stiffness in his forearm. Aybar has played in a couple minor league games (hitting only) in order to get some at-bats. He is expected back to full duty soon. --RHP Bobby Cassevah was returned to the Angels by the Oakland A's. The A's selected Cassevah in the Rule 5 draft in December but were not willing to keep him on their major league roster all season. Cassevah had a 3-7 record and 3.68 ERA in 73 relief appearances for Double-A Arkansas last season. --C Mike Napoli was unable to throw out any of the first 12 baserunners who tried to steal bases while he was behind the plate, including five Padres in one game. "It's definitely mechanics, but I think it's related to some of the concepts he's trying to carry forward," manager Mike Scioscia said. "When somebody tells you to dance, they don't tell you, 'OK, put one foot here and one foot there.' You do it with a natural rhythm. I think that's what Mike has gotten away from a little bit." --RHP Jered Weaver was one of the most extreme flyball pitchers in baseball last season. RHP Joel Pineiro had the highest groundball ratio of any pitcher in 2009. So Weaver asked Pineiro to show him the grip he uses to get the sinking action on his two-seam fastball. Weaver has tried the pitch during spring games with mixed results. "I'm a flyball pitcher. If I can get some more groundballs, it will help a lot," Weaver said of the experiment. BY THE NUMBERS: .256 -- Angels' team batting average this spring through March 19, 13th in the American League. Last spring, the Angels hit .315 as a team. QUOTE TO NOTE: "That wasn't me out there. I want to bring me back." -- RHP Scot Shields on his 2009 season, which ended in May because of a knee injury.

The 2009 season was a painful one for Scot Shields. One of the most reliable relievers in the game over the previous three seasons, Shields was anything but in April and May. Trying to pitch through a partially torn patellar tendon in his left knee, Shields had a 1-3 record and 6.52 ERA in 20 appearances before admitting in late May that the pain in his knee was too much. He underwent season-ending surgery in June -- but still is not willing to let that explain his poor performance early last year. So manager Mike Scioscia does it for him. "All of it," Scioscia said when asked how much of Shields' problems early last season were attributable to his knee injury. "Everything he was trying to do was compromised by where his landing leg was injured. "It was everything." Nine months after the surgery, appears likely to be ready to go on opening day, teaming with free agent acquisition Fernando Rodney in a setup pyramid leading to closer Brian Fuentes. "We know what his talent is and what he can bring when he is healthy," Scioscia said. "We're going to need that." Shields will need to re-establish his health and reliability in order to secure his future. The 34-year-old right-hander (the last player from their 2002 World Series team still with the Angels) is in the final year of his contract. "If I wasn't on track, I'd say, yeah, (I'm worried about my contract status)," Shields said. "But I am on track and I'm not worried about being able to come back. The only thing you can do is go out and pitch."

It was another transitional offseason for the Angels as they watched key players John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins leave as free agents while division rivals Seattle and Texas seemed to improve. The Angels have pinned their hopes on the continued development of young players, such as Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar, who had breakout seasons in 2009 and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who anchor a deep rotation. The Angels still might be the most complete team in the AL West, but the gap clearly has narrowed. ARRIVALS: RHP Joel Pineiro (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Fernando Rodney (free agent from Tigers), OF/DH Hideki Matsui (free agent from Yankees), RHP Brian Stokes (trade with Mets). DEPARTURES: RHP John Lackey (free agent, signed with Red Sox), 3B Chone Figgins (free agent, signed with Mariners), OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero (free agent, signed with Rangers), LHP Darren Oliver (free agent, signed with Rangers), RHP Kelvim Escobar (free agent, signed with Mets), OF Gary Matthews Jr. (traded to Mets), RHP Jose Arredondo (free agent, signed minor league deal with Reds), RHP Shane Loux (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Dustin Moseley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees). PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Jered Weaver 2. RHP Ervin Santana 3. LHP Joe Saunders 4. LHP Scott Kazmir 5. RHP Joel Pineiro The departure of John Lackey leaves the Angels' rotation without a clear ace. But the additions of Scott Kazmir by trade last season and Joel Pineiro as a free agent this winter gives them 1-through-5 depth as good as any in the league. Ervin Santana could be the key to elevating this group to an even higher level. An All-Star in 2008, Santana was hampered by a partially torn ligament in his elbow last season. If he is healthy, Santana has a dynamic power repertoire. PROJECTED BULLPEN: LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Scot Shields RHP Kevin Jepsen RHP Jason Bulger RHP Brian Stokes/Matt Palmer The Angels' signing of Fernando Rodney is insurance against Scot Shields' recovery from knee surgery and Brian Fuentes' less than dominating performance at closer (despite a major league-leading 48 saves in 2009). Rodney could slide into either the setup or closer role at times. Shields was one of the most dependable setup men in baseball from 2006 through 2008. If he recovers from knee surgery to regain that form, the Angels' bullpen could be deep and formidable with Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger building on the progress they showed in 2009. Brian Stokes, acquired from the Mets in a trade for Gary Matthews Jr., and Matt Palmer will likely compete for the final spot in the bullpen. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. SS Erick Aybar 2. RF Bobby Abreu 3. 1B Kendry Morales 4. CF Torii Hunter 5. DH Hideki Matsui 6. LF Juan Rivera 7. 2B Howie Kendrick 8. 3B Brandon Wood 9. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis The Angels expect Matsui to replace Guerrero's production. Replacing Figgins at the top of the lineup will be more difficult. He developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball last season. Aybar led the team with a .312 batting average last season but has shown little of the plate discipline needed from a leadoff hitter. If he can't fill the leadoff void, manager Mike Scioscia will probably turn to INF Maicer Izturis. But playing Izturis means taking at-bats away from youngsters Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood (at second base or third base). Kendrick must continue the bounce back he showed after a midseason demotion to Class AAA last year, and Morales must follow up on his MVP-caliber season last year with more of the same. PROJECTED RESERVES: C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis INF Maicer Izturis INF Robb Quinlan OF Reggie Willits OF Terry Evans The Angels decided it was necessary to trade Gary Matthews Jr. and his contract. But the move leaves them thin in the outfield, their most vulnerable position because of the ages of Hunter, Abreu and Matsui. Willits and Evans offer the only depth there. Izturis will see plenty of action in the starting lineup in a "super-utility" role. Mathis and Napoli will once again share the catching duties, and Bobby Wilson will get an outside chance to make the team as a third catcher. MEDICAL WATCH: --CF Torii Hunter (groin) felt discomfort in the area where he had surgery for a sports hernia but was told it was just scar tissue breaking apart. He was held out of games for a week but should be OK. --OF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the entire season. He had been a candidate for a reserve outfield spot. --RHP Scot Shields (patellar tendon surgery on left knee in June 2009) is expected to be ready for opening day.

--OF Bobby Abreu missed a week's worth of games because of a sore muscle in his rib cage. He returned to Cactus League action on March 19 and homered in his first at-bat. --SS Erick Aybar has been held out of games because of stiffness in his forearm. Aybar has played in a couple minor league games (hitting only) in order to get some at-bats. He is expected back to full duty soon. --RHP Bobby Cassevah was returned to the Angels by the Oakland A's. The A's selected Cassevah in the Rule 5 draft in December but were not willing to keep him on their major league roster all season. Cassevah had a 3-7 record and 3.68 ERA in 73 relief appearances for Double-A Arkansas last season. --C Mike Napoli was unable to throw out any of the first 12 baserunners who tried to steal bases while he was behind the plate, including five Padres in one game. "It's definitely mechanics, but I think it's related to some of the concepts he's trying to carry forward," manager Mike Scioscia said. "When somebody tells you to dance, they don't tell you, 'OK, put one foot here and one foot there.' You do it with a natural rhythm. I think that's what Mike has gotten away from a little bit." --RHP Jered Weaver was one of the most extreme flyball pitchers in baseball last season. RHP Joel Pineiro had the highest groundball ratio of any pitcher in 2009. So Weaver asked Pineiro to show him the grip he uses to get the sinking action on his two-seam fastball. Weaver has tried the pitch during spring games with mixed results. "I'm a flyball pitcher. If I can get some more groundballs, it will help a lot," Weaver said of the experiment. BY THE NUMBERS: .256 -- Angels' team batting average this spring through March 19, 13th in the American League. Last spring, the Angels hit .315 as a team. QUOTE TO NOTE: "That wasn't me out there. I want to bring me back." -- RHP Scot Shields on his 2009 season, which ended in May because of a knee injury.

The 2009 season was a painful one for Scot Shields. One of the most reliable relievers in the game over the previous three seasons, Shields was anything but in April and May. Trying to pitch through a partially torn patellar tendon in his left knee, Shields had a 1-3 record and 6.52 ERA in 20 appearances before admitting in late May that the pain in his knee was too much. He underwent season-ending surgery in June -- but still is not willing to let that explain his poor performance early last year. So manager Mike Scioscia does it for him. "All of it," Scioscia said when asked how much of Shields' problems early last season were attributable to his knee injury. "Everything he was trying to do was compromised by where his landing leg was injured. "It was everything." Nine months after the surgery, appears likely to be ready to go on opening day, teaming with free agent acquisition Fernando Rodney in a setup pyramid leading to closer Brian Fuentes. "We know what his talent is and what he can bring when he is healthy," Scioscia said. "We're going to need that." Shields will need to re-establish his health and reliability in order to secure his future. The 34-year-old right-hander (the last player from their 2002 World Series team still with the Angels) is in the final year of his contract. "If I wasn't on track, I'd say, yeah, (I'm worried about my contract status)," Shields said. "But I am on track and I'm not worried about being able to come back. The only thing you can do is go out and pitch."

It was another transitional offseason for the Angels as they watched key players John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins leave as free agents while division rivals Seattle and Texas seemed to improve. The Angels have pinned their hopes on the continued development of young players, such as Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar, who had breakout seasons in 2009 and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who anchor a deep rotation. The Angels still might be the most complete team in the AL West, but the gap clearly has narrowed. ARRIVALS: RHP Joel Pineiro (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Fernando Rodney (free agent from Tigers), OF/DH Hideki Matsui (free agent from Yankees), RHP Brian Stokes (trade with Mets). DEPARTURES: RHP John Lackey (free agent, signed with Red Sox), 3B Chone Figgins (free agent, signed with Mariners), OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero (free agent, signed with Rangers), LHP Darren Oliver (free agent, signed with Rangers), RHP Kelvim Escobar (free agent, signed with Mets), OF Gary Matthews Jr. (traded to Mets), RHP Jose Arredondo (free agent, signed minor league deal with Reds), RHP Shane Loux (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Dustin Moseley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees). PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Jered Weaver 2. RHP Ervin Santana 3. LHP Joe Saunders 4. LHP Scott Kazmir 5. RHP Joel Pineiro The departure of John Lackey leaves the Angels' rotation without a clear ace. But the additions of Scott Kazmir by trade last season and Joel Pineiro as a free agent this winter gives them 1-through-5 depth as good as any in the league. Ervin Santana could be the key to elevating this group to an even higher level. An All-Star in 2008, Santana was hampered by a partially torn ligament in his elbow last season. If he is healthy, Santana has a dynamic power repertoire. PROJECTED BULLPEN: LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Scot Shields RHP Kevin Jepsen RHP Jason Bulger RHP Brian Stokes/Matt Palmer The Angels' signing of Fernando Rodney is insurance against Scot Shields' recovery from knee surgery and Brian Fuentes' less than dominating performance at closer (despite a major league-leading 48 saves in 2009). Rodney could slide into either the setup or closer role at times. Shields was one of the most dependable setup men in baseball from 2006 through 2008. If he recovers from knee surgery to regain that form, the Angels' bullpen could be deep and formidable with Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger building on the progress they showed in 2009. Brian Stokes, acquired from the Mets in a trade for Gary Matthews Jr., and Matt Palmer will likely compete for the final spot in the bullpen. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. SS Erick Aybar 2. RF Bobby Abreu 3. 1B Kendry Morales 4. CF Torii Hunter 5. DH Hideki Matsui 6. LF Juan Rivera 7. 2B Howie Kendrick 8. 3B Brandon Wood 9. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis The Angels expect Matsui to replace Guerrero's production. Replacing Figgins at the top of the lineup will be more difficult. He developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball last season. Aybar led the team with a .312 batting average last season but has shown little of the plate discipline needed from a leadoff hitter. If he can't fill the leadoff void, manager Mike Scioscia will probably turn to INF Maicer Izturis. But playing Izturis means taking at-bats away from youngsters Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood (at second base or third base). Kendrick must continue the bounce back he showed after a midseason demotion to Class AAA last year, and Morales must follow up on his MVP-caliber season last year with more of the same. PROJECTED RESERVES: C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis INF Maicer Izturis INF Robb Quinlan OF Reggie Willits OF Terry Evans The Angels decided it was necessary to trade Gary Matthews Jr. and his contract. But the move leaves them thin in the outfield, their most vulnerable position because of the ages of Hunter, Abreu and Matsui. Willits and Evans offer the only depth there. Izturis will see plenty of action in the starting lineup in a "super-utility" role. Mathis and Napoli will once again share the catching duties, and Bobby Wilson will get an outside chance to make the team as a third catcher. MEDICAL WATCH: --CF Torii Hunter (groin) felt discomfort in the area where he had surgery for a sports hernia but was told it was just scar tissue breaking apart. He was held out of games for a week but should be OK. --OF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the entire season. He had been a candidate for a reserve outfield spot. --RHP Scot Shields (patellar tendon surgery on left knee in June 2009) is expected to be ready for opening day.

--OF Bobby Abreu missed a week's worth of games because of a sore muscle in his rib cage. He returned to Cactus League action on March 19 and homered in his first at-bat. --SS Erick Aybar has been held out of games because of stiffness in his forearm. Aybar has played in a couple minor league games (hitting only) in order to get some at-bats. He is expected back to full duty soon. --RHP Bobby Cassevah was returned to the Angels by the Oakland A's. The A's selected Cassevah in the Rule 5 draft in December but were not willing to keep him on their major league roster all season. Cassevah had a 3-7 record and 3.68 ERA in 73 relief appearances for Double-A Arkansas last season. --C Mike Napoli was unable to throw out any of the first 12 baserunners who tried to steal bases while he was behind the plate, including five Padres in one game. "It's definitely mechanics, but I think it's related to some of the concepts he's trying to carry forward," manager Mike Scioscia said. "When somebody tells you to dance, they don't tell you, 'OK, put one foot here and one foot there.' You do it with a natural rhythm. I think that's what Mike has gotten away from a little bit." --RHP Jered Weaver was one of the most extreme flyball pitchers in baseball last season. RHP Joel Pineiro had the highest groundball ratio of any pitcher in 2009. So Weaver asked Pineiro to show him the grip he uses to get the sinking action on his two-seam fastball. Weaver has tried the pitch during spring games with mixed results. "I'm a flyball pitcher. If I can get some more groundballs, it will help a lot," Weaver said of the experiment. BY THE NUMBERS: .256 -- Angels' team batting average this spring through March 19, 13th in the American League. Last spring, the Angels hit .315 as a team. QUOTE TO NOTE: "That wasn't me out there. I want to bring me back." -- RHP Scot Shields on his 2009 season, which ended in May because of a knee injury.

The 2009 season was a painful one for Scot Shields. One of the most reliable relievers in the game over the previous three seasons, Shields was anything but in April and May. Trying to pitch through a partially torn patellar tendon in his left knee, Shields had a 1-3 record and 6.52 ERA in 20 appearances before admitting in late May that the pain in his knee was too much. He underwent season-ending surgery in June -- but still is not willing to let that explain his poor performance early last year. So manager Mike Scioscia does it for him. "All of it," Scioscia said when asked how much of Shields' problems early last season were attributable to his knee injury. "Everything he was trying to do was compromised by where his landing leg was injured. "It was everything." Nine months after the surgery, appears likely to be ready to go on opening day, teaming with free agent acquisition Fernando Rodney in a setup pyramid leading to closer Brian Fuentes. "We know what his talent is and what he can bring when he is healthy," Scioscia said. "We're going to need that." Shields will need to re-establish his health and reliability in order to secure his future. The 34-year-old right-hander (the last player from their 2002 World Series team still with the Angels) is in the final year of his contract. "If I wasn't on track, I'd say, yeah, (I'm worried about my contract status)," Shields said. "But I am on track and I'm not worried about being able to come back. The only thing you can do is go out and pitch."

It was another transitional offseason for the Angels as they watched key players John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins leave as free agents while division rivals Seattle and Texas seemed to improve. The Angels have pinned their hopes on the continued development of young players, such as Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar, who had breakout seasons in 2009 and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who anchor a deep rotation. The Angels still might be the most complete team in the AL West, but the gap clearly has narrowed. ARRIVALS: RHP Joel Pineiro (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Fernando Rodney (free agent from Tigers), OF/DH Hideki Matsui (free agent from Yankees), RHP Brian Stokes (trade with Mets). DEPARTURES: RHP John Lackey (free agent, signed with Red Sox), 3B Chone Figgins (free agent, signed with Mariners), OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero (free agent, signed with Rangers), LHP Darren Oliver (free agent, signed with Rangers), RHP Kelvim Escobar (free agent, signed with Mets), OF Gary Matthews Jr. (traded to Mets), RHP Jose Arredondo (free agent, signed minor league deal with Reds), RHP Shane Loux (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Dustin Moseley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees). SPRING FOCUS: Of all the Angels' free agent losses, Chone Figgins might be the most difficult to replace. INF Brandon Wood will be given a chance to step in for Figgins at third base, but the void Figgins leaves at leadoff will be harder to fill. SS Erick Aybar will get the first look there, but INF Maicer Izturis is also in the picture. The Angels will also be watching RHP Scot Shields closely this spring. Shields has been sidelined since knee surgery last June. His return to form is an X factor that could elevate the Angels' bullpen from question mark to strength. PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Jered Weaver 2. RHP Ervin Santana 3. LHP Joe Saunders 4. LHP Scott Kazmir 5. RHP Joel Pineiro The departure of John Lackey leaves the Angels' rotation without a clear ace. But the additions of Scott Kazmir by trade last season and Joel Pineiro as a free agent this winter gives them 1-through-5 depth as good as any in the league. Ervin Santana could be the key to elevating this group to an even higher level. An All-Star in 2008, Santana was hampered by a partially torn ligament in his elbow last season. If he is healthy, Santana has a dynamic power repertoire. PROJECTED BULLPEN: LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Scot Shields RHP Kevin Jepsen RHP Jason Bulger RHP Brian Stokes/Matt Palmer The Angels' signing of Fernando Rodney is insurance against Scot Shields' recovery from knee surgery and Brian Fuentes' less than dominating performance at closer (despite a major league-leading 48 saves in 2009). Rodney could slide into either the setup or closer role at times. Shields was one of the most dependable setup men in baseball from 2006 through 2008. If he recovers from knee surgery to regain that form, the Angels' bullpen could be deep and formidable with Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger building on the progress they showed in 2009. Brian Stokes, acquired from the Mets in a trade for Gary Matthews Jr., and Matt Palmer will likely compete for the final spot in the bullpen. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. SS Erick Aybar 2. RF Bobby Abreu 3. 1B Kendry Morales 4. CF Torii Hunter 5. DH Hideki Matsui 6. LF Juan Rivera 7. 2B Howie Kendrick 8. 3B Brandon Wood 9. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis The Angels expect Matsui to replace Guerrero's production. Replacing Figgins at the top of the lineup will be more difficult. He developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball last season. Aybar led the team with a .312 batting average last season but has shown little of the plate discipline needed from a leadoff hitter. If he can't fill the leadoff void, manager Mike Scioscia will probably turn to INF Maicer Izturis. But playing Izturis means taking at-bats away from youngsters Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood (at second base or third base). Kendrick must continue the bounce back he showed after a midseason demotion to Class AAA last year, and Morales must follow up on his MVP-caliber season last year with more of the same. PROJECTED RESERVES: C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis INF Maicer Izturis INF Robb Quinlan OF Reggie Willits OF Terry Evans The Angels decided it was necessary to trade Gary Matthews Jr. and his contract. But the move leaves them thin in the outfield, their most vulnerable position because of the ages of Hunter, Abreu and Matsui. Willits and Evans offer the only depth there. Izturis will see plenty of action in the starting lineup in a "super-utility" role. Mathis and Napoli will once again share the catching duties, and Bobby Wilson will get an outside chance to make the team as a third catcher. TOP ROOKIES: C Bobby Wilson has spent the last three seasons in Class AAA, hitting .271 last year. He is out of options and could force his way onto the major league roster as a third catcher, giving manager Mike Scioscia the option of pinch-hitting for light-hitting C Jeff Mathis when he plays. INF Freddy Sandoval has hit .300 or better in each of his last three seasons in Class AA and Class AAA and can play anywhere on the infield. That versatility gives him a shot at a spot on the Angels' bench this spring. MEDICAL WATCH: --CF Torii Hunter (groin) felt discomfort in the area where he had surgery for a sports hernia but was told it was just scar tissue breaking apart. He was held out of games for a week but should be OK. --OF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the entire season. He had been a candidate for a reserve outfield spot. --RHP Scot Shields (patellar tendon surgery on left knee in June 2009) is being closely monitored as he returns.

--RHP Bobby Cassevah, a Rule 5 draft pick who had been in camp with the A's, was returned to the Angels. Cassevah, a 24-year-old sinkerballer, has allowed six homers and induced 41 double-play grounders in six minor league seasons. --DH Hideki Matsui made his Cactus League debut with the Angels and went 1-for-2 in his first game and 0-for-2 in his second. "Obviously, it's going to take time for him to get his timing," manager Mike Scioscia said. "But he looked good. He broke out of the box well." Scioscia said there is still no timetable for when Matsui might see action in the outfield. He continues to work in defensive drills with the Angels' other outfielders. --RHP Joel Pineiro had to be scratched from a scheduled start when he bit into a bagel -- and one of his teeth fell out. Pineiro went to the dentist, where he was told that the dentist who performed a root canal six months ago failed to put in a post to hold the tooth in place. Pineiro will make two more visits to the Arizona dentist to deal with the problem, but he does not expect it to throw off his preparations for the regular season. --RHP Scot Shields made his Cactus League debut on March 12. It was Shields' first game action since last May, when he succumbed to pain his left knee and underwent surgery in June to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee. --CF Torii Hunter, while running out a double against the Rockies in the first week of Cactus League games, felt discomfort in the area of his groin where he underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia in November. After an examination by the team's medical staff, Hunter was told the pain was a result of scar tissue from the surgery breaking apart. As a precautionary measure, however, Hunter was held out of games for a week. --OF Chris Pettit was scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Pettit, 25, injured the shoulder on a play at home plate during a Nov. 9 winter ball game in the Dominican Republic. Pettit spent months trying to heal the injury with rehab and physical therapy but was unable to avoid surgery. This is the third serious injury to set back the prospect's development -- he also has lost time to a fractured hamate bone in his wrist and a broken bone in his foot. BY THE NUMBERS: .654 -- Jered Weaver's win percentage (51-27). It is the highest among active AL starters with at least 50 career victories. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm not going to sit here and plead my case and say, 'Oh, I'm not a racist' and beg. I'm not begging to anybody and explaining why I'm not a racist. Forget you. You can think what you want. I do great things. I'm not going to sit here like somebody who's guilty and apologize because I'm not guilty of nothing." -- CF Torii Hunter reacting to criticism of his remarks in USA Today regarding African-American and Dominican players in baseball.

Any list of the most affable and accessible athletes in pro sports would have Angels CF Torii Hunter near the top. But Hunter was stung by criticism after referring to Dominicans as "imposters ... they're not us" in a USA Today article discussing the declining participation of African-Americans in baseball. "I was explaining that my friends or people come to me all the time and say you've got a lot of black players on the team and I always say, 'What do you mean -- there's only two or three?'" Hunter said. "And they're, 'I saw six or seven black guys.' 'They're Dominican. They're not us.' Simple as that. I'm not a racist. I'm just telling you, they're not us." Reds manager Dusty Baker was also on the eight-member roundtable assembled by USA Today for the discussion earlier this spring, and he defended Hunter. "Torii's probably one of the most respected guys in the game, by all races. I hope he's making light of this situation," Baker said. "It either came out wrong or was interpreted wrong. "I know Torii well. I know he has a lot of Latin American friends too. You hate to see any division of races in baseball or in this world we live in -- especially when Torii is one of the guys who brings people together. ... Like everything else, this too shall pass." Hunter had a phone conversation with commissioner Bud Selig after the comments became a hot topic on the Internet and met with manager Mike Scioscia and GM Tony Reagins behind closed doors. All were supportive of Hunter. "In talking with him, he wasn't comfortable with the way the meeting was portrayed and with what was said and what was done," Scioscia said. "I think he wants everybody to understand that the way things were portrayed is not the way he is. It was unfortunate, and he's ready to move on and play baseball."

It was another transitional offseason for the Angels as they watched key players John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins leave as free agents while division rivals Seattle and Texas seemed to improve. The Angels have pinned their hopes on the continued development of young players, such as Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar, who had breakout seasons in 2009 and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who anchor a deep rotation. The Angels still might be the most complete team in the AL West, but the gap clearly has narrowed. ARRIVALS: RHP Joel Pineiro (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Fernando Rodney (free agent from Tigers), OF/DH Hideki Matsui (free agent from Yankees), RHP Brian Stokes (trade with Mets). DEPARTURES: RHP John Lackey (free agent, signed with Red Sox), 3B Chone Figgins (free agent, signed with Mariners), OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero (free agent, signed with Rangers), LHP Darren Oliver (free agent, signed with Rangers), RHP Kelvim Escobar (free agent, signed with Mets), OF Gary Matthews Jr. (traded to Mets), RHP Jose Arredondo (free agent, signed minor league deal with Reds), RHP Shane Loux (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Dustin Moseley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees). SPRING FOCUS: Of all the Angels' free agent losses, Chone Figgins might be the most difficult to replace. INF Brandon Wood will be given a chance to step in for Figgins at third base, but the void Figgins leaves at leadoff will be harder to fill. SS Erick Aybar will get the first look there, but INF Maicer Izturis is also in the picture. The Angels will also be watching RHP Scot Shields closely this spring. Shields has been sidelined since knee surgery last June. His return to form is an X factor that could elevate the Angels' bullpen from question mark to strength. PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Jered Weaver 2. RHP Ervin Santana 3. LHP Joe Saunders 4. LHP Scott Kazmir 5. RHP Joel Pineiro The departure of John Lackey leaves the Angels' rotation without a clear ace. But the additions of Scott Kazmir by trade last season and Joel Pineiro as a free agent this winter gives them 1-through-5 depth as good as any in the league. Ervin Santana could be the key to elevating this group to an even higher level. An All-Star in 2008, Santana was hampered by a partially torn ligament in his elbow last season. If he is healthy, Santana has a dynamic power repertoire. PROJECTED BULLPEN: LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Scot Shields RHP Kevin Jepsen RHP Jason Bulger RHP Brian Stokes/Matt Palmer The Angels' signing of Fernando Rodney is insurance against Scot Shields' recovery from knee surgery and Brian Fuentes' less than dominating performance at closer (despite a major league-leading 48 saves in 2009). Rodney could slide into either the setup or closer role at times. Shields was one of the most dependable setup men in baseball from 2006 through 2008. If he recovers from knee surgery to regain that form, the Angels' bullpen could be deep and formidable with Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger building on the progress they showed in 2009. Brian Stokes, acquired from the Mets in a trade for Gary Matthews Jr., and Matt Palmer will likely compete for the final spot in the bullpen. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. SS Erick Aybar 2. RF Bobby Abreu 3. 1B Kendry Morales 4. CF Torii Hunter 5. DH Hideki Matsui 6. LF Juan Rivera 7. 2B Howie Kendrick 8. 3B Brandon Wood 9. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis The Angels expect Matsui to replace Guerrero's production. Replacing Figgins at the top of the lineup will be more difficult. He developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball last season. Aybar led the team with a .312 batting average last season but has shown little of the plate discipline needed from a leadoff hitter. If he can't fill the leadoff void, manager Mike Scioscia will probably turn to INF Maicer Izturis. But playing Izturis means taking at-bats away from youngsters Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood (at second base or third base). Kendrick must continue the bounce back he showed after a midseason demotion to Class AAA last year, and Morales must follow up on his MVP-caliber season last year with more of the same. PROJECTED RESERVES: C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis INF Maicer Izturis INF Robb Quinlan OF Reggie Willits OF Terry Evans The Angels decided it was necessary to trade Gary Matthews Jr. and his contract. But the move leaves them thin in the outfield, their most vulnerable position because of the ages of Hunter, Abreu and Matsui. Willits and Evans offer the only depth there. Izturis will see plenty of action in the starting lineup in a "super-utility" role. Mathis and Napoli will once again share the catching duties, and Bobby Wilson will get an outside chance to make the team as a third catcher. TOP ROOKIES: C Bobby Wilson has spent the last three seasons in Class AAA, hitting .271 last year. He is out of options and could force his way onto the major league roster as a third catcher, giving manager Mike Scioscia the option of pinch-hitting for light-hitting C Jeff Mathis when he plays. INF Freddy Sandoval has hit .300 or better in each of his last three seasons in Class AA and Class AAA and can play anywhere on the infield. That versatility gives him a shot at a spot on the Angels' bench this spring. MEDICAL WATCH: --CF Torii Hunter (groin) felt discomfort in the area where he had surgery for a sports hernia but was told it was just scar tissue breaking apart. He was held out of games for a week but should be OK. --OF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the entire season. He had been a candidate for a reserve outfield spot. --RHP Scot Shields (patellar tendon surgery on left knee in June 2009) is being closely monitored as he returns.

--RHP Bobby Cassevah, a Rule 5 draft pick who had been in camp with the A's, was returned to the Angels. Cassevah, a 24-year-old sinkerballer, has allowed six homers and induced 41 double-play grounders in six minor league seasons. --DH Hideki Matsui made his Cactus League debut with the Angels and went 1-for-2 in his first game and 0-for-2 in his second. "Obviously, it's going to take time for him to get his timing," manager Mike Scioscia said. "But he looked good. He broke out of the box well." Scioscia said there is still no timetable for when Matsui might see action in the outfield. He continues to work in defensive drills with the Angels' other outfielders. --RHP Joel Pineiro had to be scratched from a scheduled start when he bit into a bagel -- and one of his teeth fell out. Pineiro went to the dentist, where he was told that the dentist who performed a root canal six months ago failed to put in a post to hold the tooth in place. Pineiro will make two more visits to the Arizona dentist to deal with the problem, but he does not expect it to throw off his preparations for the regular season. --RHP Scot Shields made his Cactus League debut on March 12. It was Shields' first game action since last May, when he succumbed to pain his left knee and underwent surgery in June to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee. --CF Torii Hunter, while running out a double against the Rockies in the first week of Cactus League games, felt discomfort in the area of his groin where he underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia in November. After an examination by the team's medical staff, Hunter was told the pain was a result of scar tissue from the surgery breaking apart. As a precautionary measure, however, Hunter was held out of games for a week. --OF Chris Pettit was scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Pettit, 25, injured the shoulder on a play at home plate during a Nov. 9 winter ball game in the Dominican Republic. Pettit spent months trying to heal the injury with rehab and physical therapy but was unable to avoid surgery. This is the third serious injury to set back the prospect's development -- he also has lost time to a fractured hamate bone in his wrist and a broken bone in his foot. BY THE NUMBERS: .654 -- Jered Weaver's win percentage (51-27). It is the highest among active AL starters with at least 50 career victories. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm not going to sit here and plead my case and say, 'Oh, I'm not a racist' and beg. I'm not begging to anybody and explaining why I'm not a racist. Forget you. You can think what you want. I do great things. I'm not going to sit here like somebody who's guilty and apologize because I'm not guilty of nothing." -- CF Torii Hunter reacting to criticism of his remarks in USA Today regarding African-American and Dominican players in baseball.

Any list of the most affable and accessible athletes in pro sports would have Angels CF Torii Hunter near the top. But Hunter was stung by criticism after referring to Dominicans as "imposters ... they're not us" in a USA Today article discussing the declining participation of African-Americans in baseball. "I was explaining that my friends or people come to me all the time and say you've got a lot of black players on the team and I always say, 'What do you mean -- there's only two or three?'" Hunter said. "And they're, 'I saw six or seven black guys.' 'They're Dominican. They're not us.' Simple as that. I'm not a racist. I'm just telling you, they're not us." Reds manager Dusty Baker was also on the eight-member roundtable assembled by USA Today for the discussion earlier this spring, and he defended Hunter. "Torii's probably one of the most respected guys in the game, by all races. I hope he's making light of this situation," Baker said. "It either came out wrong or was interpreted wrong. "I know Torii well. I know he has a lot of Latin American friends too. You hate to see any division of races in baseball or in this world we live in -- especially when Torii is one of the guys who brings people together. ... Like everything else, this too shall pass." Hunter had a phone conversation with commissioner Bud Selig after the comments became a hot topic on the Internet and met with manager Mike Scioscia and GM Tony Reagins behind closed doors. All were supportive of Hunter. "In talking with him, he wasn't comfortable with the way the meeting was portrayed and with what was said and what was done," Scioscia said. "I think he wants everybody to understand that the way things were portrayed is not the way he is. It was unfortunate, and he's ready to move on and play baseball."

It was another transitional offseason for the Angels as they watched key players John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero and Chone Figgins leave as free agents while division rivals Seattle and Texas seemed to improve. The Angels have pinned their hopes on the continued development of young players, such as Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar, who had breakout seasons in 2009 and Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who anchor a deep rotation. The Angels still might be the most complete team in the AL West, but the gap clearly has narrowed. ARRIVALS: RHP Joel Pineiro (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Fernando Rodney (free agent from Tigers), OF/DH Hideki Matsui (free agent from Yankees), RHP Brian Stokes (trade with Mets). DEPARTURES: RHP John Lackey (free agent, signed with Red Sox), 3B Chone Figgins (free agent, signed with Mariners), OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero (free agent, signed with Rangers), LHP Darren Oliver (free agent, signed with Rangers), RHP Kelvim Escobar (free agent, signed with Mets), OF Gary Matthews Jr. (traded to Mets), RHP Jose Arredondo (free agent, signed minor league deal with Reds), RHP Shane Loux (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Dustin Moseley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Yankees). SPRING FOCUS: Of all the Angels' free agent losses, Chone Figgins might be the most difficult to replace. INF Brandon Wood will be given a chance to step in for Figgins at third base, but the void Figgins leaves at leadoff will be harder to fill. SS Erick Aybar will get the first look there, but INF Maicer Izturis is also in the picture. The Angels will also be watching RHP Scot Shields closely this spring. Shields has been sidelined since knee surgery last June. His return to form is an X factor that could elevate the Angels' bullpen from question mark to strength. PROJECTED ROTATION: 1. RHP Jered Weaver 2. RHP Ervin Santana 3. LHP Joe Saunders 4. LHP Scott Kazmir 5. RHP Joel Pineiro The departure of John Lackey leaves the Angels' rotation without a clear ace. But the additions of Scott Kazmir by trade last season and Joel Pineiro as a free agent this winter gives them 1-through-5 depth as good as any in the league. Ervin Santana could be the key to elevating this group to an even higher level. An All-Star in 2008, Santana was hampered by a partially torn ligament in his elbow last season. If he is healthy, Santana has a dynamic power repertoire. PROJECTED BULLPEN: LHP Brian Fuentes (closer) RHP Fernando Rodney RHP Scot Shields RHP Kevin Jepsen RHP Jason Bulger RHP Brian Stokes/Matt Palmer The Angels' signing of Fernando Rodney is insurance against Scot Shields' recovery from knee surgery and Brian Fuentes' less than dominating performance at closer (despite a major league-leading 48 saves in 2009). Rodney could slide into either the setup or closer role at times. Shields was one of the most dependable setup men in baseball from 2006 through 2008. If he recovers from knee surgery to regain that form, the Angels' bullpen could be deep and formidable with Kevin Jepsen and Jason Bulger building on the progress they showed in 2009. Brian Stokes, acquired from the Mets in a trade for Gary Matthews Jr., and Matt Palmer will likely compete for the final spot in the bullpen. PROJECTED LINEUP: 1. SS Erick Aybar 2. RF Bobby Abreu 3. 1B Kendry Morales 4. CF Torii Hunter 5. DH Hideki Matsui 6. LF Juan Rivera 7. 2B Howie Kendrick 8. 3B Brandon Wood 9. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis The Angels expect Matsui to replace Guerrero's production. Replacing Figgins at the top of the lineup will be more difficult. He developed into one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball last season. Aybar led the team with a .312 batting average last season but has shown little of the plate discipline needed from a leadoff hitter. If he can't fill the leadoff void, manager Mike Scioscia will probably turn to INF Maicer Izturis. But playing Izturis means taking at-bats away from youngsters Howie Kendrick or Brandon Wood (at second base or third base). Kendrick must continue the bounce back he showed after a midseason demotion to Class AAA last year, and Morales must follow up on his MVP-caliber season last year with more of the same. PROJECTED RESERVES: C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis INF Maicer Izturis INF Robb Quinlan OF Reggie Willits OF Terry Evans The Angels decided it was necessary to trade Gary Matthews Jr. and his contract. But the move leaves them thin in the outfield, their most vulnerable position because of the ages of Hunter, Abreu and Matsui. Willits and Evans offer the only depth there. Izturis will see plenty of action in the starting lineup in a "super-utility" role. Mathis and Napoli will once again share the catching duties, and Bobby Wilson will get an outside chance to make the team as a third catcher. TOP ROOKIES: C Bobby Wilson has spent the last three seasons in Class AAA, hitting .271 last year. He is out of options and could force his way onto the major league roster as a third catcher, giving manager Mike Scioscia the option of pinch-hitting for light-hitting C Jeff Mathis when he plays. INF Freddy Sandoval has hit .300 or better in each of his last three seasons in Class AA and Class AAA and can play anywhere on the infield. That versatility gives him a shot at a spot on the Angels' bench this spring. MEDICAL WATCH: --CF Torii Hunter (groin) felt discomfort in the area where he had surgery for a sports hernia but was told it was just scar tissue breaking apart. He was held out of games for a week but should be OK. --OF Chris Pettit (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the entire season. He had been a candidate for a reserve outfield spot. --RHP Scot Shields (patellar tendon surgery on left knee in June 2009) is being closely monitored as he returns.

--RHP Bobby Cassevah, a Rule 5 draft pick who had been in camp with the A's, was returned to the Angels. Cassevah, a 24-year-old sinkerballer, has allowed six homers and induced 41 double-play grounders in six minor league seasons. --DH Hideki Matsui made his Cactus League debut with the Angels and went 1-for-2 in his first game and 0-for-2 in his second. "Obviously, it's going to take time for him to get his timing," manager Mike Scioscia said. "But he looked good. He broke out of the box well." Scioscia said there is still no timetable for when Matsui might see action in the outfield. He continues to work in defensive drills with the Angels' other outfielders. --RHP Joel Pineiro had to be scratched from a scheduled start when he bit into a bagel -- and one of his teeth fell out. Pineiro went to the dentist, where he was told that the dentist who performed a root canal six months ago failed to put in a post to hold the tooth in place. Pineiro will make two more visits to the Arizona dentist to deal with the problem, but he does not expect it to throw off his preparations for the regular season. --RHP Scot Shields made his Cactus League debut on March 12. It was Shields' first game action since last May, when he succumbed to pain his left knee and underwent surgery in June to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee. --CF Torii Hunter, while running out a double against the Rockies in the first week of Cactus League games, felt discomfort in the area of his groin where he underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia in November. After an examination by the team's medical staff, Hunter was told the pain was a result of scar tissue from the surgery breaking apart. As a precautionary measure, however, Hunter was held out of games for a week. --OF Chris Pettit was scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Pettit, 25, injured the shoulder on a play at home plate during a Nov. 9 winter ball game in the Dominican Republic. Pettit spent months trying to heal the injury with rehab and physical therapy but was unable to avoid surgery. This is the third serious injury to set back the prospect's development -- he also has lost time to a fractured hamate bone in his wrist and a broken bone in his foot. BY THE NUMBERS: .654 -- Jered Weaver's win percentage (51-27). It is the highest among active AL starters with at least 50 career victories. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm not going to sit here and plead my case and say, 'Oh, I'm not a racist' and beg. I'm not begging to anybody and explaining why I'm not a racist. Forget you. You can think what you want. I do great things. I'm not going to sit here like somebody who's guilty and apologize because I'm not guilty of nothing." -- CF Torii Hunter reacting to criticism of his remarks in USA Today regarding African-American and Dominican players in baseball.

Any list of the most affable and accessible athletes in pro sports would have Angels CF Torii Hunter near the top. But Hunter was stung by criticism after referring to Dominicans as "imposters ... they're not us" in a USA Today article discussing the declining participation of African-Americans in baseball. "I was explaining that my friends or people come to me all the time and say you've got a lot of black players on the team and I always say, 'What do you mean -- there's only two or three?'" Hunter said. "And they're, 'I saw six or seven black guys.' 'They're Dominican. They're not us.' Simple as that. I'm not a racist. I'm just telling you, they're not us." Reds manager Dusty Baker was also on the eight-member roundtable assembled by USA Today for the discussion earlier this spring, and he defended Hunter. "Torii's probably one of the most respected guys in the game, by all races. I hope he's making light of this situation," Baker said. "It either came out wrong or was interpreted wrong. "I know Torii well. I know he has a lot of Latin American friends too. You hate to see any division of races in baseball or in this world we live in -- especially when Torii is one of the guys who brings people together. ... Like everything else, this too shall pass." Hunter had a phone conversation with commissioner Bud Selig after the comments became a hot topic on the Internet and met with manager Mike Scioscia and GM Tony Reagins behind closed doors. All were supportive of Hunter. "In talking with him, he wasn't comfortable with the way the meeting was portrayed and with what was said and what was done," Scioscia said. "I think he wants everybody to understand that the way things were portrayed is not the way he is. It was unfortunate, and he's ready to move on and play baseball."