Shields Makes No Excuses for Struggles

Scot Shields stood with his back against his locker, his unsuccessful audition as a starting pitcher all but over. The Angels gave him two months to show why they should include him in the starting rotation next year. The more he pitched, the worse the results, and he described the depth of his frustration in four words.

“More than you know,” he said.

General Manager Bill Stoneman said this week that the Angels would pursue a starting pitcher this winter, which would return Shields to the bullpen. As a reliever, his earned-run average this season is 1.68.

But in eight starts since replacing the released Kevin Appier, his ERA is 5.64. He has not lasted longer than five innings in any of his last four starts, giving up seven home runs in 18 2/3 innings and posting an 8.20 ERA.

“From a business standpoint, I’m not doing anything to enhance [the chance of the Angels’] putting me in the rotation next year,” he said. “That’s one of the things being talked about, going out and getting somebody. I’m not proving them wrong. I’m not doing my part.”

Shields lasted four innings in Thursday’s 14-4 loss to the Oakland Athletics, giving up one home run in each inning.

“I just stink right now,” he said. “I got 12 outs. That’s ridiculous.”

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Kansas City General Manager Allard Baird told the Kansas City Star he hopes to retain center fielder Carlos Beltran rather than trade him this winter, even at the cost of losing him to free agency the following winter. Beltran remains high on the Angels’ winter target list.

The Royals initially planned on trading Beltran this spring, before their improbable playoff run. The two draft picks awarded as compensation for losing a free agent, Baird suggested, might be more valuable than the prospects available in trade for a player one year from free agency.

The Royals are convinced they cannot sign Beltran to a long-term contract extension. They could enhance their return in trade by allowing a team a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Beltran, but agent Scott Boras generally does not handle such deals.

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John Lackey, who starts tonight, and Jarrod Washburn each have 14 losses. The Angels have not had a 15-game loser since 1996, when Chuck Finley lost 16 and Jim Abbott lost 18.... Since moving into the lead for the American League batting title 10 days ago, Garret Anderson is hitting .200. Boston’s Bill Mueller leads at .333, with Anderson at .315.

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Seattle Mariners, three games.

Site -- Safeco Field, Seattle.

TV -- Channel 9 tonight, Fox Sports Net Saturday and Sunday.

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

Records -- Angels 70-77, Mariners 84-62.

Record vs. Mariners -- 5-8.

Tonight, 7 -- John Lackey (9-14, 4.84) vs. Jamie Moyer (17-7, 3.55).

Saturday, 7 p.m. -- Aaron Sele (7-10, 5.70) vs. Freddy Garcia (11-14, 4.96).

Sunday, 1 p.m. -- Kevin Gregg (1-0, 2.93) vs. Ryan Franklin (9-12, 3.64).