Freeway Series Is a Chance to Dream

Could this be a preview of the Freeway Series Southland fans have always dreamed of?

Maybe that’s asking too much, but seldom, if ever, have expectations for both the Angels and Dodgers been as high as they are right now. It will be Hideo Nomo against Mark Langston when the teams play at 7 tonight at Anaheim Stadium in the opener of their annual preseason series. Doesn’t that sound like a nice pitching matchup for the first game of a World Series?

The Freeway Series will continue Saturday night and Sunday at Dodger Stadium.

The Angels, who have a new kid at third, rookie George Arias, and a new second baseman, veteran Randy Velarde, return home with a franchise-best 19-9-1 spring training record and much the same lineup and starting rotation that made them the scourge of the American League West for most of last summer.

Sure, they lost a double-digit lead in the standings and a one-game playoff to Seattle, but they did lead their division by as many as 11 games. The Angels. You can look it up.

The Dodgers, who spent much of spring talking about their plans to challenge Atlanta for the pennant, have also been building confidence on the field. They led all National League teams in the Grapefruit League with a 17-9 record.

The 25-man opening-day rosters are pretty much set for both teams, with half a dozen Angels vying for the final four roster spots, and relievers John Cummings and Joey Eischen battling for the final spot in the Dodger bullpen. Cummings, a left-hander, may end up in the opposite clubhouse if the Angels can put together the right trade.

Orlando Palmeiro and Mike Aldrete are in a close race for the Angels’ backup outfielder position. The utility infielder spot could go to veteran Dick Schofield by default, depending on Damion Easley’s sore shoulder and Jack Howell’s strained groin. And Chris Turner’s fate hinges on the team’s decision about keeping two or three catchers.

The condition of first baseman Eric Karros’ left shoulder will determine the Dodgers’ final roster, with Mike Busch the likely candidate to take that roster spot if Karros begins the season on the disabled list.

The Angels will be keeping a close eye this weekend on closer Lee Smith, who is recovering from knee surgery after an off-season hunting accident. Smith, who had 37 saves last season, is scheduled to pitch an inning tonight and another Sunday.

“I’m still a little hesitant about my [leg] drive,” Smith said. “I’ve been able to cut it loose a few times without any problem, but my mechanics are a little weird now and the arm strength is not completely there.

“I’ll work on it this weekend and see how it feels, but I don’t want to rush it.”