LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

2005 finish: 95-67, 1^st place in AL West

Manager: Mike Scioscia (6^th season)

Free agents: LHP Jarrod Washburn, C Bengie Molina, RHP Paul Byrd, LHP Jason Christiansen, OF Tim Salmon, IF/OF Lou Merloni

On the block: 1B Darin Erstad, OF Steve Finley, OF Juan Rivera

Looking for: Power hitter at first base and/or designated hitter, relievers, especially a left-hander

What’s going on: In light of all the uncertainty up the freeway, the Angels wisely extended the contract of Mike Scioscia through 2009 with an option for 2010. However, they will have to get by without longtime bench coach Joe Maddon, who is the Devil Rays’ new manager. Their search for a big bat has gone two ways — at free agent Paul Konerko, and at a possible deal for Manny Ramirez, who wants out of Boston and has the Angels at or near the top of his list. Catcher Bengie Molina is expected to attract a lot of interest in the free-agent market, and probably won’t return, as the Angels have top prospect Jeff Mathis on the way, along with Jose Molina and Josh Paul. Jarrod Washburn also will get his share of offers, and won’t be back,  as the Angels made little effort to lock up him long-term during the 2004 season. They thought Paul Byrd was going to be easier to sign, but he has received a handful of multi-year offers, so they will have to pay to keep him, or turn to another free agent, or one of their young arms Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver and Chris Bootcheck. Closer Frankie Rodriguez, John Lackey and Scot Shields could get multi-year deals to avoid arbitration. Left-handed setup man Scott Eyre is one bullpen possibility, but several teams are interested.

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