Michael Ryan is finally getting some payback for continuing to battle in the minor leagues and the strong spring training showing he had with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The Angels gave Ryan his first major league opportunity since 2005 when they made room on their 40-man roster and the active 25-man roster Friday. He has paid one dividend already with a pinch single in the ninth inning Saturday in an eventual 4-3, extra-inning win in Seattle. He was 0-for-1 and played briefly in the outfield in his debut Friday.
The 32-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder spent much of 2008 with Somerset, NJ in the Atlantic League, hitting .282 with 20 doubles, 15 home runs and driving in 44 in 65 games before his contract was sold to the Florida Marlins.
"For this organization and (Mike Scioscia) to give me a chance, I'm just so relieved," Ryan told MLB.com. "I'm not going to do anything to screw that up, and whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to give 100 per cent to do it." Ryan's previous major league experience came in 127 games for Minnesota spread over four seasons (2002-05).
MILLAR DOUBLES IN FIRST GAME
Kevin Millar, making what could be a farewell tour as a player, had a run-scoring double in four at-bats Saturday in an exhibition game for the St. Paul (MN) Saints, for whom he started his pro career in 1993. He is expected to play with the American Association team for about a week once the regular season begins Thursday.
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