Huston Street likes Angels’ potential addition of Tim Lincecum

Angels closer Huston Street said he is excited by the team’s expected acquisition of Tim Lincecum and credited the front office for attempting to bolster the roster after a rocky week.

“I think it’s a phenomenal sign for us,” Street said. “For us in the clubhouse, it establishes very firmly that, hey, we’re still adding pieces to this team. I think the team has done a good job of showing its resiliency and not making excuses.”

The Angels lost ace Garrett Richards and shortstop Andrelton Simmons to injury within the past 10 days, and they endured a winless homestand. Then they went to Seattle, swept the Mariners, and returned to the news that they were on the verge of adding Lincecum.

“You want to talk about morale,” Street said. “That does have an effect, when the front office goes out and signs somebody like a Tim Lincecum in a spot like this, right after we swept a series.

“They’re really saying, hey, we’re still investing in this team. I think we do need that. Leadership starts at the top, it does. The GM, ownership, sets the tone for the entire organization. It’s similar to a team that is five games out in July and trades one of its best players. It sends a poor message. So I think this signing sends the right message at the right time.”

Street said he knows and respects Lincecum.

“He’s a very straightforward person who doesn’t make excuses and really cares about doing the best he can,” Street said. “I was equally proud of him through all the dominant years as I was for the years when he wasn’t as dominant but still took the ball every start, and he never discarded or dismissed anything, stood there and answered the questions.

“There are certain guys in the game who have undeniable talent, and that talent doesn’t just go away, not at that level that he has. But sometimes, either your body is in a funk or your mechanics are in a funk, or both, and time is the only thing that allows you to work through it. I think this is a great opportunity for us to bring a two-time Cy Young Award winner who knows how to work and win.”