NewsAngels to play ball with heavy hearts
Los Angeles (1-2) vs. Boston (1-2), Friday, 7:05 p.m. PTBy Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
04/09/09 7:30 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- It almost seems unfair, but baseball must go on for the Angels after the tragic death of pitcher Nick Adenhart. After Thursday's game against the A's was postponed because of Adenhart's sudden death in a car accident, the Angels resume play on Friday against the Red Sox at Angel Stadium. But the Angels will resume with heavy hearts and will not forget Adenhart's presence in his stint with the team. "It is a tragedy that will never be forgotten," Scioscia said. "We'll move forward with it the best that we can." The Angels will make their first move forward against the Red Sox, who have become one of the team's biggest rivals recently, especially because Boston bounced it from the playoffs in 2004, '07 and '08. Right-hander Jered Weaver will take the mound against Red Sox knuckleball expert Tim Wakefield in the first game of the series. There's no doubt that Weaver and the rest of the Angels will have Adenhart on their minds when they play. Weaver suffered shoulder stiffness early in the spring, but he worked hard to make sure he didn't begin the season on the disabled list, like fellow pitchers John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Ervin Santana. On Wednesday, Scioscia said that Weaver looked ready to start the season. "He had a strong outing last weekend," Scioscia said. "He got up to the mid-90s and got up and down seven times. He should be able to get to 100 pitches easily." The Angels, who already wear a patch honoring longtime advisor Preston Gomez, are expected to honor Adenhart in a similar fashion this year. Adenhart's family released a statement thanking the Angels for everything they've done for him. "Nick's family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided," the statement read. "He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick's loyal supporters and fans throughout his career." Pitching matchupLAA: RHP Jered Weaver (0-0, -.-- ERA)
His spring was delayed by shoulder soreness and then set back briefly by a back strain, but he bounced back and finished strong and appears ready to go fairly deep in games. Weaver gets by on deception with his delivery, quality stuff and a competitive instinct that enables him to do some of his best work in high-pressure situations. Weaver was better at home (6-5, 3.71) than on the road (5-5, 4.91) in 2008. If he puts it all together, he could fulfill the expectations of his dominant rookie season in 2006. BOS: RHP Tim Wakefield (0-0, -.-- ERA)
The veteran knuckleballer is beginning his 15th season for the Red Sox. The only other active player in the Majors to have worn his uniform continuously for one team since 1995 is the Yankees' Mariano Rivera. Wakefield is second on the club's all-time list in appearances (504) and strikeouts (1,797), and third in wins (164) and innings (2,581 2/3). His 178 career wins are the ninth most among active pitchers. Wakefield pitched better than his record last year, finishing third in opponents' batting average at .228. Wakefield tied a career high with 18 quality starts in 2008. Lifetime against the Angels, he is 9-12 with a 4.80 ERA. Tidbits
The Angels were scheduled to induct Brian Downing and Chuck Finley to the Angels Hall of Fame on Thursday, but that has been rescheduled to a later date and will not take place this weekend against the Red Sox. ... Escobar reported Wednesday that his right shoulder fatigue had dissipated and he was feeling better. He'll test his arm in the next day or two, Scioscia said, calling it "a little bump in the road, that's all." Tickets
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• Saturday: Angels (Shane Loux, -,--) vs. Red Sox (Brad Penny, 0-0, -.--), 1:10 p.m. PT
• Sunday: Angels (Joe Saunders, 1-0, 0.00) vs. Red Sox (Josh Beckett, 1-0, 1.29), 12:35 p.m. PT
• Monday: Off-day
Rhett Bollinger is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
