Rodriguez and Shields avoid arbitration by signing one-year contracts.

Francisco Rodriguez took over the closer's role from Troy Percival, who left as a free agent prior to the start of last season, and converted 45 saves in 50 opportunities. He tied Bob Wickman for the most saves in the American League and joined Washington's Chad Cordero as the first pitchers in Major League history to record 40-save seasons before turning 24 years old.

Scot Shields has carved a considerable niche on the Angels staff. He led the club with 78 appearances last season, breaking the franchise record of 72, set by Minnie Rojas in 1967. Shields posted a 10-11 mark with seven saves and a 2.75 ERA while tossing 91 2/3 innings, the second straight season he's led AL relievers in that category.

Rodriguez, who earned $440,000 last season and was in the first year of eligibility for salary arbitration, will make $3.775 million in 2006 while Shields will increase the $925,000 he made last season to $2.1 million.

Spring Training Baseball- Arizona Cactus League
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:
http://phoenix.about.com/library/blcactusangelsched.htm

LA Angels or Anaheim Angels???

Court was not in session on Friday as both sides in the naming dispute between the Angels and the City of Anaheim participated in closed-door mediation.

At issue is the name "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" and whether it violates an agreement between the team and the city in which the team plays. Anaheim would prefer the club return to the name "Anaheim Angels," and uses that title in all references.

"We're making two arguments," said Anaheim co-counsel Andy Guilford. "One, the name 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' violates the clause. And second, the name does not adhere to customs and usage in Major League Baseball."

"No one in Anaheim ever intended to have the name 'Los Angeles' in the name," said Guilford.

Friday's mediation session was the sixth between the two sides in the last year. Following the conclusion of the city's case, the Angels will call their own witnesses. A Feb. 10 date is the target to conclude the trial.