ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ANGELS TO FACE HOT M'S.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas - The last time the Angels faced the Seattle Mariners, they were swept in a four-game series, going from four games out to eight games out. Now two months later, the Angels are 19 1/2 games behind the Mariners, who are off to one of the best starts in baseball history.

Including the three games this weekend, the Angels face the Mariners 12 more times this season.

``Those games are important,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``Head-to- head competition against teams you're chasing are important. More of your destiny is in your own hands.

``But before we can worry about playing Seattle, we have to worry about getting ourselves in order. Yes, we are contenders. But our challenge is more within than focusing on what others are doing.''

The Angels would seem to have a better chance at making the playoffs as the wild card than winning the division. The Twins are the wild-card leader as of today, eight games ahead of the Angels.

``The wild card is more realistic for any club, not just us,'' Scioscia said. ``We're not saying we're focusing on one particular path to the playoffs. That's getting way ahead of ourselves. We have to get our offense going like it can and score more runs. We have to use those building blocks to take steps to get to where we want to be.''

At 34-36, the Angels are only two games behind where they were through 70 games last season (36-34). And last season the Angels were in contention until the final weeks of the season.

``I don't think much has changed (from last season) other than one team is having an unbelievable season,'' Scioscia said. ``They've done everything as well as a team can do early on. But to keep up that pace is unrealistic.''

--Gil back in lineup: After getting three hits in Wednesday's game, Benji Gil was in the starting lineup again, this time as the second baseman.

Asked if he was surprised, Gil said: ``Yeah I was, weren't you? I've been in situations much like yesterday and it (starting the next day) didn't happen.''

Adam Kennedy moved from second base to designated hitter to get a semi-day off and give Gil a place to play. Gil went into Thursday's game hitting .358 and wants more playing time but said he understands his predicament.

``Scioscia and I have a very good relationship,'' Gil said. ``I don't think it's necessary for somebody in my situation to say how I want to play more. Mike knows deep down my competitive nature and knows I want to play.''

--Miscellany: Pitcher Ismael Valdes, on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder, played catch in the outfield before Thursday's game. Valdes is eligible to come off the DL on June 30. ... Reliever Shigetoshi Hasegawa will throw a simulated game today in Seattle. If all goes well, Hasegawa, out since May 19 with a partial tear of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, will begin a rehab assignment next week. ... Catcher Bengie Molina will play tonight and Saturday for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on a rehab assignment and is expected to rejoin the big-league club in Anaheim on Monday. Molina has been out since May 4 with a strained right hamstring.

ANGELS vs. SEATTLE

Time: 7:05 p.m., at Safeco Field.

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

Matchup: LH Jarrod Washburn (4-4, 4.29 ERA) will start for Anaheim against Seattle's RH Aaron Sele (8-0, 3.49). The Mariners are only 10-8 in games against left-handed starters, compared to 44-9 against right-handers. The Mariners Mark McLemore is 22 for 22 in stolen base attempts this season.

- Joe Haakenson

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