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Testing the Angels in the outfield

By Kevin Baxter
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This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

One of the biggest concerns the Angels had heading into spring training was how their outfield trio of Vernon Wells, Peter Bourjos and Torii Hunter would mesh on defense.They’ll get a bit of an answer Monday when the three play together for the first time in an exhibition game with the Oakland Athletics.

Hunter and Wells are Gold Glove centerfielders; the talented Bourjos has yet to play a full season in the majors. Hunter moved to right field when Bourjos was called up from the minor leagues in August, but Wells, acquired in a winter trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, has played left field just once as a big-leaguer -- during last year’s All-Star game in Anaheim.

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‘The biggest component is going to be the relationship between Vernon Wells and Peter Bourjos,’ Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said. ‘Torii’s fine in right with Peter. They got the wraps off a little bit last year. At the very best, this outfield is going to do all the things that are important to teams winning games. Not just making the diving catch or robbing home runs or making spectacular plays. Just making more plays routine.

‘You want these guys to get out there a lot because it’s going to show up a lot the more they’re out there on the defensive side. Trying to get them together playing as one unit is going to take some time but it’s something we should be able to accomplish this spring.’

With Wells, Hunter and designated hitter Bobby Abreu making their spring debuts, Monday’s starting lineup was close to the one the Angels are projected to use most of the season. The only regular missing was first baseman Kendry Morales, who is still rehabbing the ankle he broke in May.

Monday’s starting lineup:

3B -- Maicer Izturis

DH -- Bobby Abreu

RF -- Torii Hunter

LF -- Vernon Wells

2B -- Howie Kendrick

SS -- Erick Aybar

1B -- Mark Trumbo

C -- Jeff Mathis

CF -- Peter Bourjos

P -- Joel Pineiro

-- Kevin Baxter in Tempe, Ariz.

Sports Now
Kevin Baxter

Kevin Baxter writes about soccer and other things for the Los Angeles Times, where he has worked for 27 years. He has covered seven World Cups, four Olympic Games, six World Series and a Super Bowl and has contributed to three Pulitzer Prize-winning series at The Times and Miami Herald. An essay he wrote in fifth grade was voted best in the class. He has a cool dog.

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