Notes: Scioscia shuffles lineup
Figgins dropped to ninth; Cabrera, Vladdy move up in order
By Mike Scarr / MLB.com
ANAHEIM -- The Angels juggled their lineup Wednesday afternoon with the results intended to point toward greater run production.
Chone Figgins was dropped from the top to ninth in the order in favor of Maicer Izturis, with Orlando Cabrera returning to second and Vladimir Guerrero to the three-hole.
Aside from Adam Kennedy's game-winning three-run homer in the 10th inning Tuesday night, the Angels have had difficulty scoring runs in bunches and hope the latest tweak will pay similar dividends to the move earlier this season that slotted Cabrera into the three-hole.
"We're looking to jump-start some things," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Figgy has been struggling a little bit, but we want to flip him down a bit, especially earlier in the game. Situations are going to find you -- there is no way to take a guy out of the pressure situation -- but we want to take guys out and let them get into the flow."
Figgins entered Wednesday's series finale with the Orioles in a 4-for-42 skid, and posted a .308 on-base percentage in August after reaching base at a 38 percent clip when the club was hot in July. He expressed disappointment at falling out of his preferred spot in the order, but took the decision in stride.
"It is like a day off. I hate to take a day off if it isn't scheduled," Figgins said. "But I'm still in the lineup, so if it's for the better of the team I'm all for it."
Throughout last season, the Angels had little alternative in the leadoff spot outside of Figgins. But Izturis has emerged this season both at third base and at the plate. He entered Wednesday with a higher on-base percentage than Figgins (.365/.327) and was averaging .66 runs per game, which is a tick higher than Figgins' .60 runs per game.
"They both have potential to be terrific leadoff hitters; they both have terrific elements," Scioscia said. "Izzy gets on base but Figgy can create a little more."
The Angels value Figgins' ability to steal bases (he's tied for the American League lead with 47) and Scioscia said the club will return him to the top of the order when he settles his swing a bit.
"It has been rough. I've thought about it over and over but there isn't anything I can change," Figgins said. "I keep swinging. I haven't changed my routine. I just have to stick with it. Winning helps a lot."
No rest for weary: Scot Shields has often been referred to as the most valuable reliever -- if not the most valuable pitcher on the entire staff. If the Angels were unable to turn to Shields in the eighth inning, Francisco Rodriguez would likely not be in the position to save 40-plus games every year.
Shields appeared in his team-leading 64th game Tuesday night, tops on the team, a category he should lead again this year for the second straight season. Shields has also appeared in the last two games and logged his highest innings total this season in August. That prompts the club to monitor his health and fatigue, but they haven't found any cause for alarm.
"Shields' work load is high. He's handled the innings when he's had them and he gets a day off when he needs it," Scioscia said. "Is he fatigued to where it will affect his performance? No."
All business: A number of longtime veterans could be nearing the end of their Angels careers. Tim Salmon will retire at the season's close while Kennedy and Darin Erstad will both become free agents.
The Angels value Kennedy's defense but have Howie Kendrick ready to step in at second base, while Erstad will likely need surgery to repair bone spurs in his right ankle. While all three were key contributors to the 2002 World Series title and have largely been the identity of the ballclub in the Scioscia era, emotions stop with the lineup card.
"Day to day there is one thing in mind and that is winning," Scioscia said. "That is what those guys in the room are focusing on."
Trainer's room: Juan Rivera was out of the lineup for the second straight day Wednesday with a strained left hand. Rivera is not taking batting practice but is receiving treatment and the Angels hope he can return this weekend, possibly as early as Friday, Scioscia said.
On the farm: Shortstop Brandon Wood led the Texas League this season with 71 extra-base hits. He also was second with 42 doubles and fifth with 25 homers while hitting .276 in 453 at-bats.
On deck: The Angels will be off Thursday before hosting the Blue Jays in a three-game series that begins Friday at 7:05 p.m. PT. Left-hander Joe Saunders will face Toronto right-hander A.J. Burnett. Kelvim Escobar will start against the Blue Jays on Saturday.
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