Scioscia Will Finalize Starting Lineup Today

Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said he would wait until today before deciding whether Dallas McPherson or Alfredo Amezaga would start in Game 1 of the American League division series.

McPherson, the team’s third baseman of the future, has power but only 16 games experience in the major leagues. Amezaga is a slick fielder at second base -- which would move Chone Figgins to third base -- but is anemic at the plate with a .161 batting average this season.

“We have confidence in Dallas, that doesn’t mean we won’t go another direction,” Scioscia said. “We’re going to look at the best approach to beat the other club. You’re comparing a much better defensive glove with a guy who played third base pretty well in the short time he was here, but not at the level of playing Amezaga and Figgins together. [McPherson] can certainly get a hold of one and break open a game.”

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The Angels start Jarrod Washburn today and will follow with Bartolo Colon in Game 2. Kelvim Escobar will start Friday in Boston, with John Lackey scheduled to start Saturday if a Game 4 is necessary. Lackey will be available out of the bullpen for the first two games and will be a safety net today should Washburn struggle.

Washburn has a 7.20 earned-run average in his last two starts. He gave up five runs in four innings against Texas on Sept. 29, when he pitched on three days’ rest.

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The only surprise on the Angel playoff roster was first baseman Casey Kotchman, who was picked instead of Shane Halter. Scioscia said he went with Kotchman to have another left-handed contact hitter on the bench.