Mike Scioscia needs to choose a third baseman from among three players, and he’s leaning toward Macier Izturis:

“We’re really counting on what Izturis can bring. When he’s in the lineup he’ll be leading off,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “We project Izturis and (Bobby) Abreu one and two. You’re going to have as good a 1-2 punch as you could have.”

I’m not sure of that last statement. Bobby’s OBP slipped in three of the last four seasons, and while he’s still very good, he’s no longer outstanding at reaching base. Izturis is only about league average in avoiding outs. If you substitute Mike Aviles for Macier, you can only see the difference in runs if you go out to the third decimal place (using Marcel projections):

Angels with Izturis leading off.

Angels with Aviles leading off.

Scioscia should use the player that will flash better leather at third. The Angels offense is a bit weak, so they will depend on run prevention to win games. They already own a find pitching staff. Every ball they catch just makes that staff better.