Scioscia: ‘We’re Ready’

This is always the most optimistic time of the year for the Angels. The season has yet to start.

No one has been injured falling into a dugout. Knees, shoulders and arms are fine. Bizarre twists of fate haven’t struck. Their 25 losses in 31 games to end last season is merely a statistic in the media guide. There is hope.

Now comes the hard part. The Angels open the season against the Cleveland Indians tonight at Edison Field.

The Angels concluded their exhibition season with an 8-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. Gary Johnson broke a 3-3 tie with a run-scoring double in a five-run sixth inning in front of 12,201.

“We’re ready to start the season,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

There are reasons for such eagerness.

Mo Vaughn is gone, having been traded to the New York Mets, although last week he finally provided a leadership-like moment for the Angels, with an obscenity-heavy tirade that unified the players in a single cause ... their disdain for Vaughn.

First baseman Scott Spiezio does not have as big a bat as Vaughn. Nor is he as big a problem. Spiezio had two hits, drove in a run, scored a run and offended no one Saturday.

The Vaughn deal was one of a several key moves.

Tony Tavares left as team president. So Troy Percival remained as team closer.

The starting rotation gained experience beyond Ramon Ortiz’s miraculous three-year aging process after his birth certificate was examined. Aaron Sele signed as a free agent. Kevin Appier came in the Vaughn trade. Ortiz, Jarrod Washburn and Scott Schoeneweis are coming off quality seasons.

Washburn gets the opening-night assignment.

“You could have put those five names into a hat and picked an opening-night starter that way,” Scioscia said.

Scioscia can feel good about the offense, too, as long as Tim Salmon and Darin Erstad continue to feel good. They were slowed by injuries last season, but are sound, at least for the moment.

“I don’t think our success is going to be contingent on Salmon and Erstad bouncing back and having career years,” Scioscia said. “We need them to bounce back and have their normal years.”

Brad Fullmer was acquired from Toronto, giving the Angels their first regular designated hitter since Chili Davis in 1996. Troy Glaus has had consecutive 40 home run seasons. Garret Anderson has hit 63 home runs in the last two seasons.

“Our lineup is deep enough in bats where we can put pressure on clubs every inning,” Scioscia said. “We have upgraded in some key areas. I’m optimistic.”

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The Angels made their final roster moves after the game.

Outfielder Jeff DaVanon, who had a two-run single in the sixth inning Saturday, won the last spot on the bench. Left-handed pitcher Mark Lukasiewicz won the last bullpen spot.

The Angels optioned pitchers Brendan Donnelly, Scot Shields and Matt Wise, and catcher Jose Molina to triple-A Salt Lake City. Also sent to Salt Lake City were first baseman Larry Barnes, infielder Clay Bellinger and catcher Jamie Burke, all nonroster invitees to spring training.

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Schoeneweis threw three solid innings before leaving with a blood blister on the middle finger of his left hand. Scioscia said he would still start Friday at Texas.