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The Angels' first acquisition of the offseason underscored their basic belief that pitching still remains the backbone of the team.

So despite what can already be considered the best bullpen in the American League, it was reliever Justin Speier the Angels were able to lure to the West Coast, while much of the focus has been on the offense from both outside and inside the organization.

"[The bullpen] had a lot to do with the strength of the ballclub," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "That is why we wanted Justin here and he is the guy we wanted."

Officially a part of the Angels on Tuesday after passing his physical examination, Speier cited winning over individual achievements for signing with a club that already has an established back end in closer Francisco Rodriguez and setup man Scot Shields.

"There were some other teams offering me a chance to close but that has never been an issue with me. I had a chance to close with Toronto and I set up for B.J. Ryan last year," Speier said on a conference call with reporters. "I like to pitch with the game on the line whether it is in the sixth, seventh or eighth inning. It is not an ego thing with me."

Pursued by Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, San Francisco and the Yankees, Speier signed a four-year deal with the Angels worth a reported $18 million, a high price considering he will not be handed the ball in the ninth inning and asked to save ballgames, but one that reflects the value for the pitchers that bridge the gap between starter and closer.

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