By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com

Mike Scioscia may consider using John Lackey out of the bullpen in Game 1 or Game 2. (Chris Carlson/AP)

With Jarrod Washburn, Bartolo Colon, Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey in line to start in the American League Division Series, there wasn't an urgent need for Sele, who went 9-4 with a 5.05 ERA in 24 starts this year.

Curtis Pride and Casey Kotchman made the cut as Scioscia attempted to choose a roster with complementary parts. Asked why he went with Kotchman over Halter, Scioscia replied: "I think coming off the bench, Casey showed he is going to put the ball in play hard and that could create some valuable situations where we are going to need contact in a situation.

"Casey is going to be a candidate for that. So it gives us a little more bench depth, it gives us a little more balance. It was a tough decision because Shane brings some valuable things to a team, also. But we are very, very confident that despite Casey's age and lack of experience, he is a very talented ballplayer."

Praise for Guerrero: Vladimir Guerrero was named AL Player of the Week for the final week of the regular season as he slugged Anaheim to a division title.

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In Scioscia's view, the honors should keep pouring in for Guerrero.

"He had stretches this year that were as incredible as the last week. ... This guy, at times, carries us on his back," said Scioscia, endorsing Guerrero for MVP consideration. "You have to see him every day to appreciate what he did, and, hopefully, everyone is going to get a chance to see him in this series."

Guerrero led the AL in seven offensive categories last week, including batting average (.560) and home runs (six).

Pitching flexibility: Scioscia is retaining the option of using Lackey out of the bullpen in Game 1 or Game 2, rather than definitely holding him back to be a Game 4 starter.

"If we feel good about John starting Game 4, he will," Scioscia said. "That gives us the option of Washburn or Bartolo coming back in Game 5.

"If we need John earlier and have to adjust, there is the option of bringing back Washburn or Bartolo on three days' rest, which they have done once this year, and they are terrific at it. We are not going to win this series unless we pitch."

Not satisfied: The Angels had to put their engine in overdrive to nip Oakland for the AL West title, but if anyone thinks the Angels are satisfied just getting to the playoffs, closer Troy Percival begs to differ.

"It's all about moving on," Percival said. "We worked to get here for that opportunity. You move level to level with the ultimate goal of winning a World Series. We did it one time and I don't think I would have ever been satisfied if we had lost it. Right now, eight teams have one goal and that's to win a world championship."

Robert Falkoff is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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