Anaheim Is Finalist to Stage New Event

The Angels are one of five finalists to play host to the championship round of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March, with the Dodgers no longer under consideration. The Angels and San Diego Padres are considered the front-runners; the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners also remain in the running.

Major League Baseball officials hope to announce their selection before the end of the regular season, Senior Vice President Paul Archey said. He said that sites not selected for the championship round, scheduled March 18-20, would be considered for second-round games earlier in the month.

However, Angel Stadium would be unavailable for the second round as the grounds crew completes the annual field transformation from motocross to baseball, Angel President Dennis Kuhl said.

The Angels’ bid, prepared in partnership with the city of Anaheim, envisions a fan festival adjacent to Angel Stadium and highlights the international flavor of Southern California, the availability of hotel rooms and the presence of nearby tourist attractions, including Disneyland.

The Dodgers expressed interest but did not submit a formal bid, Archey said. He said the team was concerned about rushing winter renovations to Dodger Stadium in order to play host to games in March.

“I’m not sure we would want to cut it that close, either,” Archey said.

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Scot Shields is closing fast on a dubious record. He is one loss shy of the franchise record for relievers -- 11, shared by Dave La Roche (1979) and Mark Clear (1980).

“I’ve got 10 losses out of the bullpen. It’s kind of hard to take,” said Shields, the setup man for closer Francisco Rodriguez. “I need to pick my game up.”

Shields is 2-4 with a 5.65 earned-run average since Aug. 1, and statistical evidence suggests he is tiring. He has set a career high with 66 appearances -- he made 60 last season -- and he leads major league relievers with 79 2/3 innings pitched.

He said he is not tired and has worked with pitching coach Bud Black on adjusting his delivery so pitches do not hang in the strike zone.

“I went through a little dead-arm period,” Shields said. “I just didn’t have the life on the ball I usually do. I think I’m past that. I’m getting some more movement back on the ball.”

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The Angels announced they would recall left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders and catcher Jeff Mathis from triple-A Salt Lake today. Also, right-hander Kelvim Escobar will be recalled from a rehabilitation assignment and activated from the 60-day disabled list. Infielder Lou Merloni will be recalled from rehab but will not be activated.