Around the Halo 4/16/2009

Last night the Angels were blasted by the Mariners 11-3.The bullpen was hammered hard again. What was supposed to be one of the Angels strength this season, hasn't been thus far. Los Angeles currently has the best starters ERA in the league at 2.79 even without John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar. However the bullpen is carrying a very high 7.54 ERA. Angel relievers have given up 19 earned runs in 22 1/3 innings, the pen also leads the pitching staff in losses. Another disturbing stat is the walks (12) to strikeout (18) ratio.Good news on the pitching front is that Santana and Lackey are making progress towards their returns.Gary Matthews Jr. has gone from potential clubhouse trouble maker to clubhouse counselor in the wake of the Nick Adenhart tragedy. Matthews delt with the loss of former player Mike Darr in 2002.Darren Oliver is ready for his start on Saturday in Minnesota, his first since 2004 with the Houston Astros.You've got to wonder if Oliver's spot in the rotation could become a full time gig. With lefty Brian Fuentes in the bullpen the Angels are covered for situtational situations. Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo both have closer potential if Scioscia wants to change around some rolls.Next Game - Angels at Mariners 7:10 PMTV - FSNRadio - AM830, KFWB 980 & KWKW 1330Joe Saunders vs. Anaheim native Chris Jakubauskas