The Angels will part ways with Thompson (Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE)

Before their Saturday game against the Yankees in New York, the Angels designated right-handed reliever Rich Thompson for assignment, according to the Orange County Register. This means the team will have 10 days to trade, waive, or release Thompson. If the reliever clears waivers, then the team can assign him to the minor leagues. Thompson was a strong contributor out of the bullpen for the team last season, posting a 3.00 ERA in 44 games. He pitched 54.0 innings, striking out 56 batters and walking just 20. This year, however, the team hasn’t been impressed with Thompson’s stuff.

“Rich’s stuff just wasn’t as crisp as it was last year and we needed to look at some things in our ‘pen,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Thompson has given up four runs in 5.2 innings pitched over two games this season for an ERA of 15.43. All of the damage came in the series finale in Minnesota when he gave up four runs in the bottom of the eighth to complete the Angels collapse, where they surrendered a 6-0 lead to lose 10-9. Thompson took to his twitter @chopper63 to thank the Angels fans when he got the news this morning, saying “Thanks to all the Angels fans it’s been a pleasure, everyone has treated me with the utmost respect and I appreciate you all.”

Taking Thompson’s place is left-hander Brad Mills, who the Angels acquired from Toronto in a trade involving Jeff Mathis. Mills saw limited time in the big leagues with the Blue Jays, appearing in just 14 games over the last three seasons, posting a 8.57 ERA striking out 45 while walking 31 and earning a 2-3 record in nine career starts. The Angels still see Mills as being on the roster as a starter, according to Scioscia, but he could be replaced in that role when Jerome Williams is activated off the DL tomorrow.

In other bullpen news, left-handed reliever Scott Downs participated in agility drills, played catch, and threw off a mound, testing the right ankle that he injured on Thursday in Minnesota. Downs was diagnosed with just a bruise and avoided getting put on the DL, but wasn’t available today and doesn’t have a specific timetable for his return. Downs says he’s getting better every day and feels he could pitch right now, but is patiently waiting to get the green light from the training staff.

The bullpen has lived up the fears of fans before the season started as being a weak point of this team. With the other aspects of the team coming out to a sluggish start, particularly the starting pitching, more pressure has been put on the relievers of the Angels and the struggles of the pen have been magnified. GM Jerry Dipoto says it’s still too early to panic about the rough start, but the team hopes this small shakeup will give them a steadier presence late in games.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

Jerome Williams, the incumbent fifth starter from 2011, still hasn’t made his Cactus League debut due to a gimpy hamstring. Garrett Richards is having a nice spring, except for the 10 hits in nine innings, but the Angels seem reluctant to hand the 23-year-old the keys to the five spot. Brad Mills is also having a nice spring but he is still Brad Mills after all. So it’s not that big of a surprise that Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi are reporting the Angels are looking into acquiring some depth at SP.

The team’s scouts are searching for available arms in Arizona and Florida, targeting out-of-options or non-roster starters who may be on the fringes of other rosters. In other words, they are focusing on lesser-known pitchers, rather than the likes of Washington’s John Lannan.

The market those fine reporter people are describing is thinner than John Waters’ mustache. *checks off Cecil B. Demented reference for the day* You can see the full list of out-of-option players at MLBTR. There aren’t many potential trade targets there. I suppose Ross Detwiler or Jason Hammel might be available but are they any better than giving Richards the shot until Williams is healthy? Doubtful.

Williams threw off a mound on Tuesday and will again on Thursday with an exhibition game scheduled for Monday. If there aren’t any setbacks, Williams could be ready by the time a fifth starter is needed.

In the meantime, it looks like Richards will be penciled into the rotation unless the Angels make a trade. I wouldn’t be surprised if Richards runs away with the fifth spot. The Angels “on lookout for starting pitching” might be nothing more than typical due diligence. Typical Due Diligence is the name of my acapella garage band.

Peace Out Jeffrey!!

Long suffering Angels fans received their wish over the weekend. You wont have Jeff Mathis to kick around anymore. Mathis was traded to Toronto on Saturday for someone named Brad Mills. The who is inconsequential here –  because the what (no more Jeff Mathis) takes the cake. Mills will likely be sent to AAA to see if can be of any service at the major league level , however the most important aspect of this trade is that Mike Scioscia can no longer play Jeff Mathis.  For his part Mike is probably not happy that his baby is gone but who cares..this is good for you Mike!

By trading Mathis – what Jerry Dipoto has done  for Mike Scioscia is the equivalent of deleting a random girls number from your cell phone. Dipoto has eliminated the temptation. No number …no call.. no Mathis.. no play. Its  all the same.

Onto the Winter Meeting edition of the Monday Links.

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