ANGELS NOTEBOOK: A SURPRISE STARTER.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

OAKLAND - The Angels are hoping they won't have a repeat of last year, when the club had to use 16 different starting pitchers during the season because of injuries. But with one of the team's projected starters already on the disabled list (Jarrod Washburn), the Angels again had to delve into their minor-league system to pull out a starter for today's game.

Steve Green will make his major-league debut today, in place of Ismael Valdes, who was placed on the disabled list with a split fingernail on the middle finger of his right (pitching) hand. When Green got the word Thursday night, he didn't believe it.

``I was pretty surprised,'' Green, 23, said. ``I hadn't even pitched there (at Triple-A Salt Lake) yet, we just played our first game. I didn't even think about getting here.''

Even though Green was never considered for the starting rotation during spring training (he pitched in only four innings), manager Mike Scioscia said Green has major league ability.

``This guy throws in the low 90s (mph) with a heavy sinker, he's got a good hook and great makeup,'' Scioscia said, adding that facing the defending American League West champion A's won't intimidate Green. ``I don't think that's an issue. The challenge is your first day in the big leagues. It's really secondary who and where you're playing.''

Green lives in Longueuil, Quebec, just outside of Montreal, and grew up playing baseball in Canada.

``I used to play hockey, but I like to sleep in,'' Green said. ``In little league hockey you have to get up at 5 a.m. So I decided to try baseball.''

--Pitching depth lacking: The Angels aren't as deep in starting pitching at the Triple-A level as they were last year. They do have prospects in the lower minors, such as their two No. 1 picks from last year, Joe Torres (Single-A Cedar Rapids) and Chris Bootcheck (Single-A Rancho Cucamonga).

But Scioscia insists the Angels won't promote their pitchers before they're ready.

``Our consensus is we don't want to rush kids because of need,'' he said. ``You have to keep challenging them to get a good read on their skill level and talent level. But there's a fine line between challenging them and putting them in over their heads.''

--Kennedy update: Second baseman Adam Kennedy (broken bone in right hand) took batting practice Friday and reported no problems. Scioscia said he hopes Kennedy can go out on a rehab assignment during the middle of next week.