Angels’ Dan Haren talks about Tim Salmon, and more
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Dan Haren, speaking after his Angels debut on Monday:
On why he did not push to wear his No. 15, unofficially retired by the Angels for Tim Salmon: ‘I have a lot of respect for him. ... I know what he means to this organization. Rather than take his number, I’d rather create my own identity here.’ (Haren chose No. 24.)
On his first day with the Angels: ‘Today was the most relaxing day I’ve had in a while. Going through the rumors was kind of exhausting.’
On flying from Arizona to Anaheim on Sunday night: ‘I already had my bags packed to go to Philadelphia [with the Diamondbacks]. It was pretty easy. I threw a few extra things in my bag just in case something happened. I’m sure, in the next couple days, I’ll settle in.’
On joining the Angels (52-50) from the last-place Diamondbacks (37-62): “Playing for a team that many games under .500 can drag you down a little bit,” Haren said. “It was tough coming to the field every day. It seems like they don’t accept losing here, which is a good thing.”
-- Bill Shaikin