ANGELS NOTEBOOK: CABRERA HAS TEAM'S SUPPORT.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - Orlando Cabrera, well aware of former shortstop David Eckstein's popularity with Angels fans, asks only for the chance to prove he will be a worthy successor to the beloved former leadoff hitter.

While Cabrera believes he may have to win over stung Eckstein backers, the Angels' pitching staff already is sold on him.

Cabrera arrived to training camp Friday, three days earlier than required, because he wants to get to know his new teammates. Angels pitchers know Cabrera after he helped Boston sweep them out of the playoffs last year, and a consensus has developed: Eckstein was a good player and great teammate, but Cabrera brings an entirely different physical presence to shortstop.

``I was very happy we signed him because, as a pitcher, who doesn't want a shortstop like him?'' starter Kelvim Escobar said of Cabrera, who signed a four-year, $32 million deal the same day the Angels let Eckstein go.

``With all my respect to David - he was a great guy, a hard worker, and I know how much they love him in Anaheim - but they're going to love (Cabrera).''

The 5-foot-10 Cabrera has considerably more range and a stronger arm than the 5-7 Eckstein. And he already replaced one icon when he was traded from Montreal to Boston last July 31.

Minus Nomar Garciaparra, Boston finished 39-18 and won the World Series, so Cabrera knows what he's getting into.

``At some point in your career, someone has to replace you. Fans know that,'' Cabrera said. ``Hopefully, at the end of the day, they respect the way I play. That's when you make a mistake - when you try to do what a guy before you did. I'm going to be Orlando Cabrera - being aggressive, stealing bases. I'll look a little bit like David, but I'm Orlando Cabrera.''

Cabrera hit .294 with the Red Sox after a lackluster .246 first half with Montreal. Manager Mike Scioscia said Cabrera could bat as high as second with the Angels, but somewhere around sixth is more likely.

--Getting better: Escobar, limited again to long toss, said his shoulder felt tight working out in Venezuela, which has set him back. He won't pitch off a mound until at least next week, and Scioscia said his exhibition debut may be pushed back. Neither expects it to be a long-term setback.

--Still waiting: Angels pitchers and catchers have already gone through two days of workouts, except one, as a sign hanging from Francisco Rodriguez's locker suggested.

``Whenever You're Ready - K-Rod.''

Rodriguez was expected in camp Friday, but general manager Bill Stoneman said Rodriguez's flight wasn't due to arrive into Phoenix until the evening.

Gabe Lacques, [phone]

gabe.lacques(at)sgvn.com