Angels and Rodriguez Not in Same Ballpark

I read with interest Ross Newhan’s story on the Angels [Dec. 3] and their “surprising” lack of interest in Alex Rodriguez in the free-agent market. All I can say, Ross, is “it’s pitching, stupid,” not a top-level shortstop.

Position for position, the Angels match up pretty darn well with most of their competitors, except in one area, and that’s pitching. No wonder the Angels have no stomach to chase the ridiculous salary requests of A-Rod. A superstar shortstop in the Angel organization will make no difference until they are able to significantly bolster their young pitching staff.

As to why the Angels did not pursue Mike Mussina, one only has to look back to the 2000 season and the Kent Bottenfield disaster. I’d suspect that the Angels are treading cautiously when it comes time to spill out big bucks for a “proven” veteran starting pitcher.

JOHN BEDNARSKI

Los Angeles