Angels Could Learn a Little Something

Angel President Tony Tavares was perplexed by his underachieving team this season, wondering in the wake of general manager Bill Bavasi’s resignation if the Angels “have any idea of what a team is.�

A suggestion for Tavares: Give Red Sox Manager Jimy Williams a call. He could provide some insight.

Asked to describe his team before Sunday’s game against the Indians, Williams seemed to describe everything the Angels weren’t in this strife-filled season.

“I like our kids, they play hard,� Williams said. “We’ve got baseball players. I think maybe that’s what Nomar [Garciaparra] exemplifies, what he’s doing today. He’s a baseball player. There’s a lot of them on this team. They’re hard to find. I’m telling you, good athletes . . . what’s that word everyone uses? Potential. Wow, what a word.

“We’re looking for baseball players. They don’t have to hit .300, they don’t have to win 20 games, but you take those guys. I think they feed off each other, this club, in a positive fashion. They back each other. They enjoy being around each other in the clubhouse, on the road.�

*

Red Sox utility infielder Lou Merloni was scratched from Sunday night’s lineup in favor of Garciaparra, but the Framingham, Mass., native was able to give his family the thrill of a lifetime when he went two for three with a run and an RBI in Boston’s 9-3 victory Saturday.

“I used to bring him to this ballpark when he was young many, many times,� Lou Merloni Sr. said. “To see him starting in a playoff game makes you really proud. It was awesome.�

RED SOX’S BRET SABERHAGEN

(10-6, 2.95 ERA)

vs.

INDIANS’ CHARLES NAGY

(17-11, 4.95 ERA)

Jacobs Field, Cleveland, 5:15 p.m.

TV--Channel 11

* Update--The Red Sox like the veteran presence Saberhagen brings into such a pressure-filled situation. “He’s not going to panic when things get down and dirty,� Boston center fielder Darren Lewis said. “He’ll be able to pull himself out of any tough situation.� Nagy was almost untouchable in Game 2, giving up one run and five hits in seven innings. Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez, who suffered a back strain in Game 1, said an appearance tonight “is not out of the question,� but don’t count on it.