Staying the course in Anaheim

Forget any of that speculation that Mike Scioscia's job may be in jeopardy.

Angels owner Arte Moreno told MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez Saturday night that Scioscia would return for a 14th season regardless of what happens in the team's remaining games, adding that GM Jerry Dipoto would return as well.

"Regardless of what happens the next 11 games, Mike Scioscia will 100 percent return," Moreno said. "I have told him. He wants to come back, I want him to come back. He's been the manager of the Angels for 13 years. He will be the manager of the Angels for a 14th year. Period."

The Angels set the bar for 2012 extremely high with the offseason signings of Albert Pujolsand C.J. Wilson, but are 2 1/2 games behind Oakland for the A.L.'s second wild card. If the Halos fail to make up ground, they will miss the playoffs for a third straight season.

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com on Saturday described the communication between Scioscia and Dipoto as "strained," adding that their relationship "neared a breaking point"on more than one occasion.

Dipoto tells the Los Angeles Times he never felt his job was in jeopardy.