LOS ANGELES — A few thoughts while watching Chad Billingsley, the anti-Greg Maddox when it comes to pitch efficiency and pace of game, creep through this afternoon's game with the Phillies:

-- Tuesday's baseball notebook on the problems of Ervin Santana and Bartolo Colon made it just under the wire. After Tuesday's stirring 14-hit outing against Tampa Bay — that's right, Tampa Bay — the Angels demoted Ervin Santana today. Not to the bullpen, but to Salt Lake City. The team filled the roster spot by activating catcher Mike Napoli from the disabled list. We'll have to wait to see how they fill the spot in the rotation, though Joe Saunders is the most logical option.

-- Meanwhile, for the blog-reading AARP demographic, the Dodgers today exchanged a 22-year-old for a 42-year-old, sending down infielder Tony Abreu and purchasing the contract of pitcher Roberto Hernandez. Hernandez has been a part of the game about as long as the rosin bag; he began his professional career in 1986. The Dodgers become his 21st professional team, and 10th in the major leagues, following the White Sox, Giants, Devil Rays, Royals, Braves, Phillies, Mets, Pirates, Mets (again) and Indians.

-- Also, the Braves signed 48-year-old Julio Franco, released last week by the Mets, keeping alive Franco's hopes of playing in the majors until he's 50. It's too bad the Mets let Franco go before this week's series at Dodger Stadium, depriving the fans of a possible Hernandez-vs.-Franco matchup with a combined age of 90.