Victory Is Best Revenge for GM

In the middle of Tuesday night’s division-clinching celebration was usually mild-mannered General Manager Bill Stoneman, his clothes and cap drenched in alcohol, spraying champagne on reporters interviewing Darin Erstad.

But Stoneman swore he was not seeking retribution for all the criticism he took for letting Troy Glaus and David Eckstein go, for signing Steve Finley, for not protecting relievers Bobby Jenks and Derrick Turnbow and for not making any moves before the July 31 trade deadline.

“I don’t pay attention to what you call [criticism],” Stoneman said. “We’re out to accomplish a certain job. I have a job to do, and if that means turning down deals that I don’t think will help us, I’ll do that.”

Stoneman also made several shrewd moves last winter, signing pitcher Paul Byrd, who solidified the rotation, and shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who solidified the defense, and dealing for outfielder Juan Rivera and infielder Maicer Izturis, who have provided quality depth.

The Angels, as a result, appear much better equipped to win a World Series now than in 2004.

“This qualifies us to finish the job we set out to do,” Stoneman said. “It takes a long time, a lot of aches and pains and a lot of ups and downs to get here, and we’re one of eight [playoff] teams. But we’re not to the point where we want to be yet.”

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Oakland Manager Ken Macha did not tab the Angels as favorites to win the AL pennant, but he sees no reason why they shouldn’t be extremely competitive in the postseason.

“I just know to have both [Scot] Shields and [Kelvim] Escobar available for a few innings out of the bullpen, with [Francisco] Rodriguez to close the game out ... you’ve got to have the lead off them after six innings or you’re in deep trouble,” Macha said.

“A guy like [Bartolo] Colon is a dominant pitcher, and if they play five games, he’ll get two starts. John Lackey has pitched well, and they play great defense. They have great speed, they can manufacture runs, and they have a big bat in the lineup [in Vladimir Guerrero].”

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Though the playoff roster won’t be finalized until Monday, it appears outfielder Jeff DaVanon and third catcher Josh Paul will gain the final two spots.... The Angels will kick off the postseason with a rally, featuring interviews with former Angel greats, live music and a fireworks show, Monday at Angel Stadium at 6 p.m.

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Even in celebration, the Angels cannot escape the residue of their controversial name change. Within hours after the Angels clinched the division championship, the online shop at MLB.com offered commemorative merchandise for sale -- including a $24.99 T-shirt congratulating the “Los Angeles Angels.”

When he adopted the new Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim name last January, owner Arte Moreno vowed he would sell no merchandise adorned with “Los Angeles.” The Angels do not manufacture the merchandise -- suppliers licensed by Major League Baseball do -- and club spokesman Tim Mead said Wednesday the team would ask that the T-shirt no longer be sold.

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Staff writer Bill Shaikin contributed to this report.