Scioscia believes Wells understands new role
By Alden Gonzalez and Joe McIntyre / MLB.com | 07/21/12 6:07 PM ET

ANAHEIM -- When it comes to the limited playing time that awaits him, Vernon Wells could clearly see the writing on the wall.

He saw it in the continuity the Angels' offense has with Mark Trumbo, Mike Trout and Torii Hunter in the outfield; in the numerous articles written about his shrinking role on the team; and perhaps even in the removal of his big banner in front of Angel Stadium, replaced by one of Trumbo.

Just in case, though, Angels manager Mike Scioscia had a chat with Wells before he left on his current Triple-A rehab assignment, which will last at least a week as he recovers from a torn ligament in his right thumb. He told him about the new role that awaits him -- starting mainly when Kendrys Morales sits against a left-hander, or to give Hunter a day off here and there -- and he believes Wells is on board.

Happy? Probably not.

Accepting? Maybe so.

"I think he wants to contribute, he wants to make us a better team," Scioscia said. "Right now, everyday at-bats aren't there for him. He understands that.

"We'll look at it when that situation happens. We're still a little bit away. A week in this game could be a lifetime."

Especially this time of year, with the non-waiver Trade Deadline only 10 days away. The Angels are in search of pitching -- for the rotation and the bullpen -- but one name who has been in the rumors lately is Morales, who's appealing to teams in search of offense and, if dealt, could free up more playing time for Wells and his massive contract.

Wells' return can also have an effect on young center fielder Peter Bourjos -- a potential trade chip who has found it difficult to get playing time even without Wells.

Pretty soon, the Angels will have five outfielders, and two of them will be accepting far lesser roles than they're accustomed to.

Something may have to give.

"Any time there's more depth, it's tough for an individual player fighting for at-bats, but it makes you stronger as a team," Scioscia said. "We're certainly going to do everything we can to keep everyone with some sort of timing and be able to contribute."

It means less Morales.

That's not a bad thing.

Couldn't be any worse that Morales striking out. Wells at least had ALMOST as many homers before his injury as Morales does currently. Hate to say it but Wells may even be more a threat atm. I am not a huge subscriber to the whole righty, lefty, righty thing in most cases.

Wells can hit LH pitchers.

This is a self-Inflicted problem that fans saw when Wells was brought over

Too many outfielders

What a shock

Can he hit with RISP?

You are correct and I knew this. My bad. I was generalizing and I guess I assumed that most knew that already. No worries.

Thats why I had been pushing for the Morales as trade bait scenario. People had said that we needed to keep his L-handed power bat. What power?

Wells is odd man out that can't be traded anywhere, but at least he can hit HR's and play the field. He and Trumbo can share playing time at DH/OF.

I may have missed, but where does the "it stinks" come in to play? Who said that, Wells? I didn't see a quote.

It stinks for Bourjos that he will have even less time with Wells coming back.

Wells can't hit with runners on any of the bases.

< It means less Morales.

That's not a bad thing. >

I see it as less Bourjos, and that is a bad thing. At the very least I hope Scioscia sticks to his word and keeps Wells playing time "limited". I just get the feeling that Scioscia will start plugging Wells in the lineup more and more as the season progresses.

Gotcha. Yes, Wells taking time from any of our positional players would stink. Watch him come back on fire with something to prove and really make it hard for Mike.

< Watch him come back on fire with something to prove and really make it hard for Mike. >

Wells on fire still isn't the best option... career road numbers .270 / .316 /.449 /.764. He should have never left Toronto as he is ideally suited for playing there.

It wasn't his choice to leave Toronto. Tony Reagins brought him here, unfortunately.

Wells doesn't seem to be one of those, "I'll show you", types. I don't expect him to do much when he returns. I think he was a product of Toronto's ballpark, and the other East Coast ballparks.

Hopefully Wells return lights a fire under Morales' lackadaisical rear. He has looked absolutely gawdawful.

about this: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-0722-simers-angels-20120722,0,626461.column

I say this: http://www.hark.com/clips/cxgnvxztkh-you-can-act-like-a-man-hollywood-finocchio

My response to TJ via email was:

__________________________________________

Hi TJ,

Vernon Wells can talk all he wants, but he's right, it's all HIS doing.

Quite simply, he'd rather be in this position--and get the $42 million plus, then opt out of his contract (I believe he has that option), or take a cut in pay, and go elsewhere.

He'd rather make Arte Moreno eat millions, just to get rid of him--which HURTS the Angels even more (the Angels could use that to sign a Greinke, etc)!

I shed no tears for him. If he wants to be greedy for the money, then su-ck it up, and take the abuse HE is bringing on himself. Because Angels fans DO NOT want him here.

Maybe if he opted out of his contract, he could go play for the Texas Rangers, too. Let him see what he can get on the open market. Otherwise, don't get angry, because he has NOBODY to be angry at, but himself.

I'm sure Vernon appreciates that you're in his head to tell everyone what he thinks.

If it wasn't for you, how would we ever know the truth?