The rosters are mostly set for the upcoming All-Star series in Japan and three Angels will be making the trip.
Right-handed pitchers John Lackey and Scot Shields, and super utility player Chone Figgins will participate in the 2006 Japan All-Star Series, a five-game competition set for Nov. 2-8 in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, where Major League Baseball stars will face those from Nippon Professional Baseball.
Joining Lackey and Shields are Minnesota left-hander Johan Santana, Baltimore left-hander Erik Bedard, Yankees left-hander Mike Myers, Milwaukee left-hander Chris Capuano and Colorado left-handers Brian Fuentes and Ray King.
Three additional right-handers will be on the staff: San Diego's Chris Young, Bronson Arroyo of the Reds and Minnesota's Joe Nathan.
Ken Macha (A's) will be the manager and the position players at his disposal will be catchers Joe Mauer (Twins), Kenji Johjima (Mariners) and Brian Schneider (Nationals); first basemen Ryan Howard (Phillies) and Lyle Overbay (Blue Jays); second basemen Chase Utley (Phillies) and Tadahito Iguchi (White Sox); shortstops Rafael Furcal (Dodgers) and Jose Reyes (Mets); third baseman David Wright (Mets) and outfielders Bill Hall (Brewers) and Andruw Jones( Braves).
The Japanese team will be led by right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, a possible free agent import to the U.S. next season.
Lackey was 13-11 with a 3.56 ERA this season while striking out an AL third-best 190 batters. Shields went 7-7 with a 2.87 ERA and two saves in 74 appearances. Figgins hit .267 with a career-high nine homers and stole 52 bags, which was second in the AL.
MLB All-Stars hold a 43-20-7 edge in the series that has been held nine times, beginning in 1986. The first squad to win three games in this year's series will be crowned champion but all five games will be played. A game between the MLB All-Stars and the Yomiuri Giants will precede the series on Nov. 2 in Tokyo.
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Angels trio to join All-Star trip to Japan
Angels trio to join All-Star trip to Japan
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