Team, Scioscia Discuss Contract Extension

The Angels have had initial discussions with Manager Mike Scioscia about extending his contract. Scioscia is in the second year of a two-year contract, with the Angels holding an option for next season.

No terms have been discussed, but a deal is expected to be ready before the season ends. Scioscia’s current deal is for about $1 million over the life of the contract, including the option.

“Bill and I have been talking in terms of returning,” Scioscia said, referring to General Manager Bill Stoneman. “It is the furthest thing from my mind. My focus is on what we need to do to keep moving in the right direction. That’s my priority.”

The Angels were in disarray when Scioscia took over before last season. They finished 82-80 in 2000 and are trying to climb over three teams to earn the wild-card playoff spot this season.

“I don’t feel comfortable commenting on any contract issues,” Stoneman said. “Certainly we’re really happy with what Mike has brought to the club.”

The news that New York Yankee pitcher Ted Lilly received a six-game suspension for hitting Angel first baseman Scott Spiezio with a pitch was greeted with strong approval in the Angel clubhouse.

Lilly hit Spiezio in the helmet Sunday, which the Angels believe was retaliation for Ramon Ortiz hitting Derek Jeter in the fifth inning. Spiezio considered charging the mound, but didn’t.

“I think this sends a good message to guys who might think about settling things themselves,” Spiezio said. “If I would have gone out there, who knows what would have happened? Guys could have gotten hurt. At the very least, I would have been suspended.”

Lilly, who was not ejected from the game, said he would appeal.

“There were no fights, there were no warnings,” Lilly told reporters in Tampa Bay, where the Yankees were playing the Devil Rays. “It was not my intention to throw at Spiezio.”

Lilly was removed from the game immediately after hitting Spiezio and received a hero’s welcome in the Yankee dugout.

“This will send a message,” Scioscia said. “It’s a bold move, but they looked into the issue and determined the intent. This will protect hitters.”

ON DECK

Opponent--Toronto Blue Jays, three games.

Site--Edison Field.

Tonight--7

TV--Fox Sports Net tonight and Saturday.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Records--Angels 60-55, Blue Jays 54-61.

Record vs. Blue Jays--3-3.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

SCOTT

SCHOENEWEIS

(8-8, 4.80 ERA)

vs.

BLUE JAYS’

BRANDON LYON

(1-0, 1.23 ERA)

Update--Schoeneweis has had eight days off because he was scratched from his start against the Yankees on Monday because of a stomach ailment. He is 1-1 with a 1.35 earned-run average in two starts against the Blue Jays this season. Lyon struck out five and allowed one run in his major league debut against Baltimore on Saturday.

Saturday, 7 p.m.--Ramon Ortiz (10-7, 3.95 ERA) vs. Esteban Loaiza (8-9, 5.17 ERA).

Sunday, 5 p.m.--Pat Rapp (5-9, 4.58 ERA) vs. Roy Halladay (1-1, 4.24 ERA).

Tickets--(714) 663-9000