ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ANGELS STAY PATIENT WITH PITCHING STAFF.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Angels manager Mike Scioscia doesn't mean to continue to say the same things over and over again, but he is being asked the same questions day in and day out.

``It's still early, I am not worried,'' Scioscia said. ``I have confidence in this group, I have had confidence in them from day one and I believe in them. It's a long season, a lot can happen in a short time.''

The above comment from Scioscia was not, as many who follow the Angels would assume, in regard to the team's hitting woes. Scioscia was addressing a pitching staff that hasn't lived up to preseason billing.

Anaheim's team ERA entering Saturday night's game with Oakland was 4.90. That ranks ninth in the 14-team American League and 21st overall among 30 teams.

It's not that the pitching staff has been bad, but it hasn't been able to keep the Angels above water during a 3-7 start that includes an ill-timed five-game losing streak. The team batting average through 10 games was .226 and all three of the team's homers have come from Troy Glaus.

While starting pitchers Kevin Appier (0-1, 3.00 ERA), Ramon Ortiz (1-1. 3.46) and Jarrod Washburn (0-1, 4.35) have pitched well in spots, Scott Schoeneweis (1-1, 5.79) and Aaron Sele (0-2, 9.90) have not.

``I am not worried about any of them,'' Scioscia said. ``All five of those guys know what it takes to get hitters out at this level.''

--Salmon sits: Scioscia gave struggling right fielder Tim Salmon the night off Saturday. Jeff DaVanon started in Salmon's spot and hit seventh in the order. Jorge Fabregas spelled regular catcher Bengie Molina and hit eighth in the order.

``We're just giving him (Salmon) a night off,'' Scioscia said. ``When guys are struggling (Salmon is hitting .171), you want to give them the at-bats so they can turn things around. But at the same time, you want your guys on the bench to stay fresh and be sharp.''

Scioscia also stressed that Salmon is not having any lingering problems with his knee, which was injured slightly when Salmon was hit by a pitch last month in a spring-training game.

--Percival update: Angels closer Troy Percival will throw again today and the team will decide Monday about a possible rehabilitation assignment or his pitching in a simulated game.

ANGELS vs. OAKLAND

Time: 1 p.m., Edison Field.

TV/Radio: Ch. 9; 570-AM, 1090-AM (Spanish)

Matchup: The Angels conclude a three-game series with the Athletics as Kevin Appier (0-1, 3.00 ERA) will oppose Oakland left-hander Barry Zito (0-0, 2.13). Anaheim is off Monday and Texas comes to town for a two-game set beginning Tuesday.

- Joe Haakenson

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ANGELS vs. OAKLAND (see text)