By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 28, 2011
. Up next
vs. Angels
Tonight-Sunday
What's new: The Angels, making their second trip to St. Petersburg in 3½ weeks, have been unexpectedly good. They have been carried primarily by starters Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, who are a combined 10-1, 1.10. The bullpen has gotten better (with an AL-best 2.53 ERA through Wednesday) but the offense has been inconsistent, with OFs Torii Hunter (.210) and Vernon Wells (.178) struggling. 1B Kendrys Morales remains on the DL.
Key stat: The Angels have allowed three runs or fewer in 15 of their 25 games.
Connections: Rays manager Joe Maddon, RHP Joel Peralta, INF Sean Rodriguez and coaches George Hendrick and Bobby Ramos are all former Angels. … L.A. pitching coach Mike Butcher used to be with the Rays, as did LHP Scott Kazmir, now on the DL. Angels C Bobby Wilson played at Seminole High with new Ray Casey Kotchman.
Series history: The Angels lead 76-45 overall, 34-27 at the Trop.
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer