Baughman Flourishes at New Position

Justin Baughman is back in the big picture with the Angels, through fate and hard work.

Baughman was moved from second base to shortstop, his original position, and was promoted from double-A Erie to triple-A Edmonton. Through Friday, he is hitting .280 with the Trappers.

The Angels have a need at shortstop, as Gary DiSarcina is out for the season following shoulder surgery. He is also in the last year of his contract. Benji Gil is hitting a woeful .185 as DiSarcina’s replacement. The team signed Tampa Bay castoff Kevin Stocker Tuesday, but he is not considered a long-term solution.

Baughman could be. He has had a star-crossed career. Impressive in 63 games with the Angels in 1998--hitting .255 and stealing 10 bases--he broke his left leg in five places while playing in the Mexican League that winter.

He missed last season and seemed to fade from the scene when the Angels acquired second baseman Adam Kennedy from the St. Louis Cardinals. Baughman was hitting only .087 with Erie two weeks into this season. He moved back to shortstop and raised his average to .286 before being promoted to Edmonton. Through Friday, he had stolen six bases in 19 games and made six errors with the Trappers.

Since being demoted on April 29, pitcher Lou Pote has nine saves in 12 appearances through Friday for Edmonton.