BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Bullpen for Bielecki or Boskie?

Speculation is that the Angels are in the market for a right-handed pitcher, which could send Mike Bielecki or Shawn Boskie to the bullpen. It’s a fate that doesn’t seem to concern them.

Pitchers that are rumored to be available include David Cone (Toronto), Bret Saberhagen (New York Mets) and Ken Hill (St. Louis).

“I think that would be great,” Boskie said. “That would mean [the organization] was serious about getting to the playoffs.”

Boskie, who is 6-1, would seem to have better footing than Bielecki. Bielecki is coming off his best start of the season, but was 1-4 in June. He is 4-5 with a 4.57 earned-run average and has no illusions about what acquiring a “name “ pitcher would mean.

“David Cone is not going to come here and go to the bullpen,” Bielecki said. “I’m the fifth starter, if I’m the one pushed to the bullpen, that’s fine. Obviously, I would rather start. But the names that are being mentioned are guys who will help the team.”

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When Chili Davis went on the disabled list on June 21 many predicted difficult times for the Angel offense. History certainly lent itself to such a scenario. The Angels were 1-6 without Davis last year, with the only victory a 1-0 decision over Kansas City.

But the Angels have managed to play .500 without Davis, who has a strained left hamstring. Part of the reason has been catcher/designated hitter Greg Myers, who is hitting .325 with one home run and nine RBIs in 13 games since moving into Davis’ No. 3 spot.