After the game, Angels manager Mike Scioscia keep the clubhouse doors closed for 50 minutes as he finalized the roster. Among those sent down were Matt Brown, who batted .468 in the spring, as well as Willits and Wilson.
"They all had great springs and all those guys are just waiting for an opportunity," Scioscia said. "Right now, we're just a little handcuffed with a 12-man pitching staff."
Notes: Angels No. 3 starter Nick Adenhart pitched two simulated innings (25 pitches) before Saturday's game in advance of his season debut Wednesday. ... Angels No. 4 starter Jered Weaver pitched 6 1-3 innings in a minor-league camp game at Tempe, Ariz. ... Padres manager Bud Black said he will finalize the team's roster Sunday.
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ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Bob Geren is eager to get the AL West race started.
The Oakland manager will get an early look at the team that's supposed to give his A's the most trouble. Up first, the defending champion Los Angeles Angels on Monday night.
"I like opening against your own division, playing against the so-called favorite. I'm looking forward to it," Geren said.
Last year, the Angels strolled to the West title and led the majors with 100 wins. They're aiming this year for their fifth division crown in six years, not that it's done them any good in October - their lone appearance in the World Series, a winning one, was as a wild card in 2002.
Meanwhile, the A's finished 75-86 and third behind Texas (79-83) in the division last season, Geren's second at the helm.
Mike Scioscia, heading into his 10th season as the Angels' manager, insists the West will be more challenging this year, but adds that won't be really be his team's concern.
"There are four teams that have the capabilities to win our division," Scioscia said. "But that's not where our focus is. Our focus is on how we're going to go out and play the game and what we need to do to be the best team we can be. If you want to contend, I think that's the only way you can look at it.
"There's some terrific pitching that we're going to have to go up against. Through the American League, you're going to have a challenge every night on the mound. The team that's our biggest challenge is the Angels."
