Angels: Morning spring training report

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

TEMPE, Ariz.--The Angels play an exhibition game today against the South Africa entry in the World Baseball Classic. South Africa lost all three games in the inaugural WBC three years ago--including a 17-0 loss to Team USA--and Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said the key to improvement is developing players from an early age.

‘I know they love the game down there,’ Scioscia said. ‘But you’re talking about a generational thing.’

For the first WBC and for the Beijing Olympics, former Dodger Jim Lefebvre managed a squad of players long on athletic ability but short on baseball experience.

‘It would be like someone in this country trying to start playing hockey at 15,’ Scioscia said.

--Scioscia said Kelvim Escobar is on course to pitch in at least one Cactus League game before the Angels break camp, barring any setbacks. Escobar is well ahead of schedule following shoulder surgery, and he could start a 30-day minor league rehabilitation assignment not long after the Angels break camp.

--Jered Weaver, slowed by shoulder soreness, is expected to make his first Cactus League start in seven to 10 days, Scioscia said. The long spring training this year will give Weaver enough time to be ready for his first start of the regular season, Scioscia said.

Today’s lineup:

Peter Bourjos, CF

Sean Rodriguez, 2B

Luis Figueroa, SS

Brandon Wood, 3B

Bobby Wilson, C

Matt Brown, 1B

Terry Evans, RF

Hank Conger, DH

Brad Coon, LF

Joe Saunders, P

--Bill Shaikin