Pitchers Share Blame but Don’t Want It All

Several Angel starting pitchers, concerned that the rotation was getting all the blame for the team’s struggles this season, met recently with Manager Mike Scioscia to discuss his repeated public comments that the inconsistency in the team’s play can largely be traced to inconsistency among the starters.

“He didn’t back down,” Kevin Appier said.

Angel starters posted a 4.00 earned-run average last season and ranked fourth in the American League. That figure is 4.77 this season, ranking eighth, and they are on pace to pitch 80 fewer innings.

On offense, the Angels ranked fourth in runs scored last season and are eighth this season, on pace to score 58 fewer runs.

“We definitely deserve our share of criticism,” Appier said. “But it’s not just us. We’ve been a big contributor, but it’s been more of a team thing. The biggest reason is we’ve been a heck of a lot more beat up this year than we were last year. That includes starting pitching.”

The Angels have won nine of their last 13 games, a stretch in which the starters have posted a 3.20 ERA.

“It was very clear we needed our starting pitching to step up,” Scioscia said, “which they have. Our starting pitching now is why we’re starting to put together wins.”

*

In seven starts with Bengie Molina catching, Aaron Sele is 2-5 with an 8.81 ERA. In five starts with Jose Molina catching, Sele is 4-1 with a 1.33 ERA. Jose Molina has caught each of Sele’s last three starts, all victories.

Scioscia said the statistics are “incredible” but would not commit to pair Jose Molina with Sele, saying either catcher could do a fine job. The comparison is a bit unfair, Sele said, because Bengie Molina caught the first starts as Sele returned from rehabilitating his surgically repaired shoulder.

“Jose has done a wonderful job,” Sele said. “Bengie could do the same thing.”

*

ON DECK

Opponent -- Minnesota Twins, three games.

Site -- Edison Field.

TV -- Fox Sports Net tonight and Sunday, Channel 11 Saturday.

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

Records -- Angels 46-43, Twins 44-46.

2002 record vs. Twins -- 4-5.

Tonight, 7 -- Ramon Ortiz (10-6, 4.66) vs. Johan Santana (4-1, 2.86).

Saturday, 1 p.m. -- Jarrod Washburn (7-9, 4.39) vs. Brad Radke (5-8, 5.56)

Sunday, 7 p.m. -- John Lackey (5-8, 5.02) vs. Kyle Lohse (6-7, 4.63).