Pineiro to LA

Joel Pineiro, a member of the 1998 Timber Rattlers starting rotation, was a free agent. He is about to be a Los Angeles Angel of Anaheim.

The Angels moved closer toward filling the vacant spot in their rotation Wednesday, agreeing in principle to a deal with free agent Joel Pineiro.

But with the 31-year-old right-hander needing to pass a physical before any contract can be signed, both sides were being coy with the news.

General Manager Tony Reagins did not return calls, leaving it to Angels Vice President Tim Mead to issue a statement saying the team continues "to look at options to improve our club."

Pineiro's agent, Adam Katz, was equally vague.

"I have no comment," he said.

However, the New York Mets, who were also in the bidding for Pineiro, weren't so guarded, saying that Pineiro's representatives had informed them he was declining their offer to accept one from the Angels, reportedly for $16 million over two years.

The members of the starting rotation for the 1998 Timber Rattlers: Pineiro, Gil Meche, Allan Simpson, Brandon Parker, and uber-Prospect Ryan Anderson. Pineiro, Meche, and Simpson all made the Big leagues.

Additionally, the '98 Rattlers pitching staff holds the Midwest League Record for strikeouts in a season with 1,274 in 138 games.