Iannetta talks continued emergence of Halos' staff

HOUSTON -- Angels catcher Chris Iannetta cites a couple of reasons why the Angels' pitching staff has had such success over the last 20 games, namely the continued emergence of the club's newcomers.

During the club's 15-5 run entering Friday's opener against Houston, the Angels' staff compiled an American League-leading 2.98 ERA. Since Aug. 23, the bullpen has logged a 1.92 ERA, which also leads the league.

"We picked up some good guys over the course of the season," Iannetta said. "[Dane] De La Rosa has been good for us. It's been a maturation process throughout the year. He keeps getting better. He's become more reliable for us. [Juan] Gutierrez, that was a great addition for us. He's been good at eating innings.

"Some of the young guys that have come up throughout the course of the year have done well, but as the year goes on and they've gotten more experience, they've been that much better for us."

Iannetta has been the rock behind the plate throughout that time.

"I'm back there to do whatever they need me to do, put my glove where they need it to be. Be there to do the thinking for them," he said. "Whatever I could possibly contribute I'm willing to do that for them."