ANGELS LOSING PLAYERS, GAMES TEAM'S BAD LUCK CONTINUES AS ECKSTEIN GOES ON DL CHICAGO 5, ANGELS 2.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

CHICAGO - The Salt Lake Express has another passenger, this time bound for the visiting clubhouse at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, where the Angels again find themselves having to fill the empty locker of another injured starter.

On Tuesday, David Eckstein (hamstring) joined Troy Glaus, Darin Erstad and Brad Fullmer as opening-day starters now on the disabled list. Trent Durrington will arrive from Salt Lake today to take the place of Eckstein, increasing to seven the number of players on the Angels roster who have played for Triple-A Salt Lake this season.

That lack of experience and continuity in the lineup surely is an explanation for Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, the Angels' second in a row after a five-game winning streak.

``We barely have enough guys to field a damn team,'' Angels third baseman Scott Spiezio said. ``We've got young guys at positions because it's something we have to do. We're going through growing pains with guys who haven't played positions. We have to live with it, and I think it will get better.

``But the big thing is getting the young guys playing time so the team can make decisions for next year.''

The White Sox snapped a 1-1 tie with four runs in the seventh inning, getting a two-run single from Carlos Lee, an RBI single from Frank Thomas and an RBI double from Carl Everett.

But before the White Sox's big bats could do their damage, it was the little things that got the rally started. The White Sox loaded the bases against Angels starter Scot Shields with nobody out without hitting the ball out of the infield.

Alfredo Amezaga, Salt Lake's shortstop for 75 games this year, threw wide to first base after fielding Tony Graffanino's grounder to start the inning.

Miguel Olivo followed with a bunt to the right of the mound, which was fielded by first baseman Adam Riggs, who this year played in 103 games for Salt Lake as a utility player.

Riggs turned to throw to first, but second baseman Adam Kennedy was late getting to the base because he initially broke for the bunted ball. Kennedy wanted Riggs to lead him with the baseball, like a quarterback throwing to a receiver, but Riggs instead double-clutched and threw too late.

But Kennedy wouldn't use his lack of familiarity with Riggs as an excuse.

``We've all been doing these things long enough, it doesn't matter who's beside you,'' Kennedy said. ``You should be able to make the play.''

Angels manager Mike Scioscia agreed.

``These are basic fundamental plays,'' he said. ``You should be able to execute no matter who's out there.''

Joe Haakenson, [phone]

joe.haakenson(at)sgvn.com