A Lot Could Revolve Around Shields

Scot Shields can make a bigger impact than merely pitching his way into the Angels’ 2004 starting rotation if he excels the remainder of the season.

The former reliever could save the Angels millions on a front-line starter while allowing General Manager Bill Stoneman to spend the off-season addressing the team’s other needs, primarily in the outfield and at first base.

“He could answer some questions for us,” Stoneman said. “We’ll make that judgment after the year’s over, but we certainly have liked what we’ve seen.”

Shields has improved in each of his three outings since replacing released Kevin Appier in the rotation. The right-hander gave up four runs over five innings in a 4-0 loss to Toronto and three runs over seven innings in a 3-2 loss to Cleveland before holding the Chicago White Sox to one run over 7 2/3 innings Thursday in a 5-1 victory.

“His stuff was still great in the eighth inning,” pitching coach Bud Black said. “It was an extended version of how he pitched out of the bullpen -- great ball-strike ratio, fastball working on both sides of the plate, changing speeds with three pitches.”

Manager Mike Scioscia said Shields also provides insurance in the event that the Angels can’t find a free agent or complete a trade to their liking.

“You don’t know what’s out there,” Scioscia said. “If you’re banking on going out there and acquiring players in the off-season, sometimes the [available players] might not fit your need.”

Shields, who has a 3.23 earned-run average in his five starts this season, has eight more starts to persuade the Angels to keep him in the rotation. “Well see if he can do it,” Black said. “We think he can.”

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Garret Anderson, batting .304 in six games since Scioscia moved him up a spot to No. 3 in the batting order, said he doesn’t think teams approach him differently when he hits in front of Tim Salmon rather than Troy Glaus or Scott Spiezio.

“The only time you’re ever going to see any changes is when the situation dictates it,” Anderson said. “I could have Barry Bonds hitting behind me, and if it’s two out and nobody on base, they’re not just going to pump you fastballs down the middle. They’re going to try and get me out.”

Scioscia said he made the move in part to give his hitters an opportunity to take advantage of intentional walks to Anderson. After Detroit intentionally walked Anderson in the fifth inning Friday to load the bases, Salmon struck out and Spiezio grounded out to end the inning.

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Bobby Jenks, a top pitching prospect who sat out two months earlier this season because of a stress reaction in his right elbow, has not given up a run in 23 2/3 consecutive innings for double-A Arkansas. Jenks (7-1) pitched six shutout innings Thursday for the Travelers, lowering his ERA to 2.25. He has 85 strikeouts and 42 walks in 68 innings ....Since being acquired July 29 in the Scott Schoeneweis trade, left-hander Tim Bittner has not given up an earned run in 14 2/3 innings for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.