Notes on a Scorecard - July 3, 1991

Doug Rader isn’t sure where the Angels will finish in the American League’s Wild Wild West, but he is confident that they will be high on the leader board the first week of October. . . .

“This is by far the best team I’ve managed,” said Rader, whose 1989 Angels led the division for 43 days before finishing third and winning 91 games. . . .

“In ‘89, everything that could possibly go right early in the season did,” Rader said. “I knew we couldn’t keep it up. Nothing against that team, but this one is a lot more legitimate. Its biggest asset is people. These guys are a pleasure to be around. They have a tremendous amount of character and resiliency and, in the long haul, that will carry you a long way.” . . .

Exhibit A of the Angels’ attitude is the pitchers’ reaction to the recent decision to go to a four-man rotation. . . .

“That won’t work if even one guy resists,” Rader said. “It’s human nature to be against change, but everyone on our staff was for it.” . . .

Of course, if you are going to a four-man rotation, it helps when the four are Chuck Finley, Kirk McCaskill, Mark Langston and Jim Abbott. . . .

Rader on Langston: “The way he handled adversity last year was very professional. He never succumbed to it. If anything, it made him a better pitcher. He’s made some modifications in his delivery. Our pitching coach, Marcel Lachemann, has done a terrific job with Mark, studying tapes and working with him on the sidelines. . . .

Rader on Abbott: “Those who said we should have sent him to the minors didn’t know what they were talking about. It’s hard to get a handle on a guy unless you really know him. Stats can be misleading. The normal guidelines don’t apply to Jim because he’s so physically competent and intelligent. Two years ago, he was throwing more than he was pitching. Last year, he overdid the pitching. Now he’s found his equilibrium.” . . .

Unlike Minnesota, Texas and Seattle, the Angels have yet to put together a long winning streak. Their season high is five. And their season-high losing streak is only four. . . .

“In spring training, people were saying that Oakland would win 100 games,” Rader said. “I didn’t think so. It looked more like a 92- to 95-win year for the first-place team, and I thought a number of clubs would be involved in the race.” . . .

The Angels, who finished 13th in the American League in fielding last year, have been on a pace to set a major league record for fewest errors in a 162-game season. Minnesota committed only 84 in 1988. . . .

Rader on streaks: “A lot of it has to do with playing the right team at the right time.” . . .

The manager of another contender, Bobby Valentine, says the Texas Rangers are trying to battle the heat in Arlington, Tex., with creative measures. . . .

“When we start batting practice at 5 p.m., it’s usually about 108 degrees,” Valentine said. “So the regulars are doing their hitting in an air-conditioned building next to the stadium. Also, we’re giving the players a special high-energy cold drink before games.” . . .

Valentine claims that his rookie third baseman, Dean Palmer, has the most efficient swing in baseball. . . .

The Angels will play seven of their last 13 games of the season against Kansas City and the other six against Toronto. . . .

Trying to spread good will, new Angel President Richard Brown, a Tarzana resident, will enter an Angel-sponsored team in the Scout League for 17- and 18-year-olds in the San Fernando Valley. . . .

Brown also is bullish on bringing Angel alumni closer together with a theme of “Under the Halo.” He has exchanged ideas with Rod Carew and Bobby Grich. . . .

Anaheim Stadium still has the best ballpark food in Southern California. . . .

Look-alikes: Rick Cerone and Larry Csonka. . . .

It’s nice to see Don Mattingly back where he belongs, over .300. . . .

Willie Randolph will make a good manager some day. . . .

Boston Red Sox rookie first baseman Mo Vaughn looks like a football player in a baseball player’s uniform. . . .

The best pitcher in the minor leagues is supposed to be former Stanford star Mark Mussina, but the Baltimore Orioles won’t rush him because of the problems Ben McDonald has had. . . .

The Oakland A’s biggest mistake was letting pitcher Scott Sanderson get away. . . .

It must not be easy to root for the Cleveland Indians. . . .

I guess the Montreal Expos’ problem wasn’t Buck Rodgers.