Mills is out of options also... interesting. If he stays on the club more than 20 days, he'll have to clear waivers before a DFA also. I think that Scioscia and crew think he's ready for MLB work now, and another lefty on the staff isn't a bad thing.

We may even see a Santana trade upcoming if he blows his next start. This anticipated dream rotation may not even last through April!

"and another lefty on the staff isn't a bad thing. "

With Downs down, and Take-a-hikey the only other left-handed option...the Angels sure did need to promote Mills. Let's hope he does well.

So far its been Takashita, pardon the mispronunciation.

The Angels are still finding their feet. I think that DiPoto's vision is becoming more convincing to Arte than the Old World view of Scioscia and crew. DiPoto picked out Mills himself, maybe for a good reason. There's a lot at stake.

If for anything else, it gives J.Williams a good reason to perform well tomorrow. I still think that Santana is on a short leash... he's spotty at best, but is enticing to other teams.

Rich Thompson taught me to believe in myself!

My thoughts exactly, ac. From the two message boards I post on I can't believe that so many people are so suprised. Thompson will not be missed, except by the fans in the outfield seats that like collecting free baseballs. Thompson is a journeyman, a AAA career type of pitcher that could make a nice living filling out a roster spot in the farm system. No shame in that at all, most guys are not talented enough for any level of pro ball. However, he is just not talented enough, other than as a mop up guy, for the major leagues. Dipito understands this, and understands that Williamsport Mike thinks everybody is supposed to have a turn out on the diamond. Sorry Mike, Jerry just removed another favorite tinker toy that you won't be using anymore.

He did well last year, I personally am kinda surprised about this move. Yes, he was terrible a couple days ago, there is no question about that. However, he has had success in the past and you have to believe that he would right his own ship eventually. Most all relievers go through rough patches, even the best.

IMO, this seemed like a knee jerk reactionary move. I hope they didn't do this just so the fans could see a head roll for the slow start

"Mills is out of options also"

When they sent him down in April they optioned him. So they must have the ability to option him this year.

"I still think that Santana is on a short leash"

I don't see how. That would move Richards into the rotation. Leaving us with a huge drop off (Bell, Mills, Shoemaker) if somebody in the rotation goes down with a major injury.

Actually, this is the fire being lit under butts that many have been hoping to see. Its like life in the real world as in if you don't do your job properly you lose it. Other players can now see that a GM like Dipito means business - and that players, and coaches/manager had better take care of their own business if they expect to draw a paycheck from this organization. I bet Jepsen is going to take notice because his seat is being kept warm on that ride named 'The First Bus Out of Town"!

Thompson was a question mark for years. Looks like that question has finally been answered. Good riddance to him, lol.

Good! I hope the move sends a clear message

>>Thompson will not be missed, except by the fans in the outfield seats that like collecting free baseballs.<<

5 homers in 44 games and 56 innings last year. Yeah, he was a home run machine.

>>Sorry Mike, Jerry just removed another favorite tinker toy that you won't be using anymore.<<

Last year was the first year Scioscia ever gave him more than 20 innings. What a huge favorite of Mike's. Just couldn't stop using him for all these seasons now.

Of course, never mind that the only reason he got so many innings last year is that he was pretty decent and it's not like there were better options sitting around in the pen.

Seriously, so many posters on this board are clowns.

"When they sent him down in April they optioned him. So they must have the ability to option him this year." (Mills)
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An option is a call up on a roster past a certain # of days allowed, typically 15 days for a regular player max, 20 days for a pitcher I believe. The 15 days is typical for a 15 day DL stint as a replacement player, pitchers get longer because they wouldn't be able to pitch in every game.

If a player is called up for any time longer than the allotted time in a year, its an option used up. A team can call up a player 3 times over 3 seasons without penalty. The fourth time he is called up he is out of options.

Mills had already been called up 3 times by Toronto before he was traded to the Angels. Spring Training doesn't count as roster time, so they had the option of holding him back. This is the fourth call up, so he'll be out of options if he stays past a certain # of days.

People seem to be overlooking the fact that Thompson did a terrific job for the Angels in 2010 AND 2011. Before that, he was pretty bad.

They're treating him as though he's been horrible all along.

No, they don't want to wait and wait to see which Thompson shows up this year, they have other young options that are in the wings and need to show what they can do up here.

It's really too bad we have to wait for late April's appearance of Cassevah. He's reliable, something we need so badly right now.

He is just like our other relievers, good to start an inning not so good with runners on.
last year 10.24 ERA, with runners in scoring position.

I somehow missed THAT stat. :(

Well, it looks like the A's have seen enough...

"The Athletics have designated Rich Thompson for assignment, the team announced. The move creates room on the 40-man roster for Jim Miller, who was recalled from Triple-A.

Thompson, 27, was claimed off waivers from the Angels last week. He faced three batters during his brief time with Oakland, allowing a single in between two outs. The Angels designated the Australian-born right-hander for assignment after he allowed four runs in his first 2 1/3 innings of the season. Thompson pitched to a 3.00 ERA with 9.3 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 54 innings last season and is out of options, meaning he can't be sent to the minor without first clearing waivers." - MLBtraderumors

Wow. He faced three batters and allowed a hit.

That's certainly a good reason to basically dump him. :(

He certainly was nothing more than a very brief stopgap for the A's, wasn't he?

Another reason to question the competence of Mike Butcher ( as if there were not already plenty to wonder why he keeps his job) He thought this guys was good enough for the Angels pen, and it turns out he threw one inning and proved he wasn't even good enough to stay in Oakland.
My guess is he will clear waivers this time, go to the minors for some teaching and mental rehab, and come back up and be effective.
Mark my words.