Team Is an Attendance Winner

The Angels project that they will top the magic 3-million mark in attendance during the final weekend of the season, said Senior Vice President of Business Operations Kevin Uhlich. In so doing, the Angels will shatter the franchise record of 2.8 million, which has stood since 1982.

“The last 12 to 18 months have been unbelievable,” Uhlich said.

The crowds this season followed the Angels’ first World Series championship last season. The Angels could finish in last place this season, but Uhlich believes that the efforts of new owner Arte Moreno can help the team minimize the almost inevitable drop in attendance next season.

On his first day of ownership, Moreno pledged not to raise ticket prices next year. Since then, he has lowered prices on tickets, food, drinks and souvenirs. He also has said that General Manager Bill Stoneman “doesn’t have any economic restrictions in the short term” in acquiring players.

“Arte knows it’s not just about marketing and it’s not just about price,” Uhlich said. “With the enthusiasm we’ve had, if Bill Stoneman and the baseball guys can do the things we hope they can do in the off-season, we can keep that spirit alive.”

The Angels hope to outdraw the Dodgers for the first time, but the Dodgers are in a playoff race, and Dodger Stadium seats 11,000 more than Edison Field. Each team has 15 home games left.

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After winning the home run derby and the MVP award at last month’s All-Star game, outfielder Garret Anderson wondered aloud whether the world might finally notice him.

So how many calls has agent Chris Arnold taken from companies interested in using Anderson in commercials and endorsements?

“None whatsoever,” Arnold said, “which is a little bit surprising. I thought my phone would be ringing off the hook.”

Arnold noted that Anderson never has asked him to solicit commercial opportunities.

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Catcher Jose Molina has 86 at-bats this season -- and no walks.

The record for most at-bats in a season without drawing a walk is held by pitcher Ed Walsh of the 1907 Chicago White Sox, with 154 at-bats. Among position players, the record is held by infielder Craig Robinson of the 1973 Philadelphia Phillies, with 146 at-bats.

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Minnesota Twins, three games.

Site -- Edison Field.

TV -- Fox Sports Net tonight and Wednesday; Channel 9 Thursday.

Radio -- KSPN (710), XKAM (950).

Records -- Angels 63-68, Twins 67-63.

Record vs. Twins -- 3-0.

Tonight, 7 -- John Lackey (8-12, 5.11) vs. Brad Radke (9-10, 5.04).

Wednesday, 7 p.m. -- Aaron Sele (7-9, 5.36) vs. Kenny Rogers (11-6, 4.67).

Thursday, 1 p.m. -- Ramon Ortiz (15-10, 4.82) vs. Kyle Lohse (10-10, 5.00).