ANGELS NOTEBOOK: BULGER READY TO MAKE IMPACT.

Byline: Doug Padilla  Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - Jason Bulger arrived in Angels camp Wednesday ready to win a spot on the major-league club just like he figured he was close to doing with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Bulger was acquired Tuesday for minor-league infielder Alberto Callaspo. He pitched nine games in the major leagues last season and has every intention of winning a bullpen spot in Angels camp.

``I was called up last year and I think I did some of the things they were looking for me to do and I think I was in the mix there for a couple of spots in the bullpen,'' Bulger said. ``I don't know how things would have played out there. I think a lot of it would have to be determined on the field but I think I was in a pretty good situation there and I think I'm still in a pretty good situation here as well.''

Bulger doesn't think the trade set him back by having to prove what he is capable of doing to a new organization.

``The Angels know what I've done and they've seen tapes and I've played against a lot of these guys and a lot of these managers so I have a feeling they know what I can do. I don't think they would have asked for me in a trade if they didn't think I'd have a chance at success.''

The former third baseman and part-time outfielder switched to pitching in his senior year of college and turned himself into the 22nd overall selection in the 2001 draft. He will compete for the final bullpen spot with Kevin Gregg and Esteban Yan.

``I think he's got a bright power arm and he's relatively young,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``Even though he's 27 his arm is relatively young because he was a converted player. He's figuring some things out. We traded a guy we were very high on to get a guy that Arizona was very high on. That's the nature of this trade.''

--Lackey update: John Lackey, who opted out of the start in Tuesday's intrasquad game because of a sore shoulder, will play catch today before progressing to long toss and an eventual Cactus League start. Lackey still is on schedule to start either Sunday or Monday.

--Watching Bart: The Angels will get their only look at Bartolo Colon before he leaves for the World Baseball Classic when he starts today's charity game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Colon, who is coming off a sore shoulder suffered in last season's playoffs, is expected to throw about 30 pitches. He is scheduled to leave for Florida on Friday to join the Dominican team for WBC camp.

Doug Padilla, [phone], Ext. 2758

doug.padilla(at)sgvn.com