Angels scour independent leagues
April 25th, 2009, 8:02 pm by MARK SAXON, OCREGISTER.COM
Could it be Lima Time in Anaheim this summer?
Though the Angels have shown only tepid interest in the three free-agent pitchers waiting idly for offers, Manager Mike Scioscia indicated the team might consider signing a pitcher from an independent league to address the organization’s lack of depth.
Among those pitching in independent leagues are former major-leaguers Jose Lima (left), 36, with the Long Beach Armada, and lefty John Halama, 37, with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Neither has thrown a major-league pitch since 2006.
The Angels might have company as they scour independent leagues.
“I guarantee you there are at least 30 people at every one of those games,” Scioscia said. “Every team is sending scouts.”
With Ortega and Matt Palmer forced into the Angels’ rotation, the organization is thin high in the minor leagues.
“We’ve gone as deep as we can right now,” Scioscia said.