Angels put Napoli, not Mathis, on All-Star ballot

Nothing stirs controversy among Angels diehards as much as the way Manager Mike Scioscia uses his catchers. Scioscia cites a defense-first philosophy and says Jeff Mathis is the superior defensive catcher, while some fans drool at Mike Napoli's power and ability to take a walk. Mathis has been the Angels' No. 1 catcher so far this season, with 34 at-bats to Napoli's 15.

Yet, when Major League Baseball unveiled the All-Star ballot today, Napoli was the Angels' nominee at catcher.

And that was thanks to Scioscia, according to Angels spokesman Tim Mead and MLB spokesman John Blundell.

Blundell said each team submits its nominees at each position after consultation with its baseball operations staff. Mead said the Angels' nominees were determined by Scioscia and General Manager Tony Reagins.

-- Bill Shaikin