Moreno Won’t Obstruct Scioscia

If the Dodgers sought permission to interview Angel Manager Mike Scioscia for their vacant managerial position and Scioscia were interested, Angel owner Arte Moreno said he would not stand in Scioscia’s way.

But Scioscia, who wanted the Dodger job before becoming the Angel manager in 2000, did not seem interested in returning to the team he helped to two World Series titles as a catcher from 1980 to 1992.

“The commitment here is very real on both sides,” said Scioscia, who is signed through 2007 with a team option for 2008. “I couldn’t be in a better environment for us to achieve, from everything Arte and Bill [Stoneman, general manager] have committed to the organization from here down to the minor leagues.

“It’s fun to be here. No one has a crystal ball, but I just know there’s no better job in baseball if you want to manage, with the way Arte and Bill are committed to achieving.”

When first asked how he would respond if the Dodgers wanted to speak to Scioscia, Moreno deferred to Stoneman. Pressed further, Moreno said, “We signed Scioscia to a long-term deal. I would like to think this is where he wants to be. But if someone wants to move, I’ve never forced anyone to stay here.”

Moreno was under the impression that until the Angels are eliminated, other teams cannot seek to interview their manager or coaches. If Scioscia were to express interest in the Dodger job, “I’d ask him, ‘Where are you going? You hung your flag here,’ ” Moreno said, alluding to the Angels’ 2002 World Series championship. “All kids want to run away for awhile, but Mike is an Angel now. This is his home.”

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It’s no secret that the Angels could use another thumper in their lineup, preferably a right-handed hitter, and there is already speculation they will pursue Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, a free-agent-to-be who has had consecutive seasons of 40 home runs.

The White Sox want Konerko back, preferably under a three-year deal for about $30 million. The Angel payroll is about $96 million, fourth highest in baseball, but with the expected departure of pitcher Jarrod Washburn and Tim Salmon’s four-year, $40-million contract expiring, the Angels’ payroll will drop $16.5 million.

“If we find a player we believe is going to help the team win championships, we will make that investment,” Moreno said.

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Bartolo Colon probably wouldn’t argue with the selection of New York second baseman Robinson Cano as American League rookie of the year after Cano keyed the Yankees’ Game 1 victory with a three-run double in the first inning.

“Colon threw him a two-seamer low and away, and he just hit that ball outside the bag at third,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said. “That’s not easy to do.”

Cano’s drive landed just over the outstretched glove of Angel left fielder Garret Anderson, clearing the bases.

“Along with Randy Johnson, Robinson Cano is the biggest difference between this year and last year,” Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez said.

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Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter extended to 21 his streak of reaching base safely in division series games with a second-inning single.... The winner of Game 1 of the Yankees’ last five division series has gone on to lose the series.... Yankee closer Mariano Rivera extended his postseason record with his 33rd save.... Former Angel closer Troy Percival, whose Detroit Tiger season was cut short because of injury, received a rousing ovation while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.