ANGELS NOTEBOOK: COLLINS TRIES A PEP TALK : ANGELS MANAGER GETS TEAM TO FOCUS.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Deputy Sports Editor 

There was a sense of urgency in Terry Collins' voice Thursday.

His Angels entered their game with Kansas City 5-1/2 games behind Seattle in the American League West, and he knew they needed a boost after a 1-5 road trip.

Collins called just his third team meeting of the season before the game. For 25 minutes, he passionately told the club, which has dropped seven of eight and 17 of 24, to refocus for the final 17 games.

``I don't know if you need to scream and holler,'' Collins said. ``You just need to let them know that everyone is behind each other.

``It's tough. No one expected us to be here. But we are and we have to try to stay sharp physically and mentally.''

Getting better: Collins said he expected Darin Erstad to miss a week to 10 days after injuring his left shoulder in Tuesday's game.

Instead, Erstad started Thursday as the Angels' designated hitter. The club cleared him to play after he took batting practice and displayed good strength and range of motion. Erstad reached on an infield single in the fourth.

Chili's future: Former Angels designated hitter Chili Davis is wrapping up his first year with the Royals, but it remains uncertain whether he will return.

It isn't his numbers. Davis, 37, has 29 homers and 86 RBI.

The problem: Kansas City is one of the teams that could join the National League as part of realignment. That could mean no more DH for the Royals.

It is a tricky situation for Davis and the club. He is a free agent and even though they are a small-market team, the Royals seem comfortable paying him another $4 million for 1998 if they still have a DH. But Davis hasn't played the outfield since 1990 and Kansas City has first baseman Jeff King under contract for two more seasons.

``I think they're basically waiting to see what happens to realignment,'' said Davis, who hit 156 homers in seven seasons with the Angels. ``They can't invest a lot of money in a designated hitter then wind up not needing one. Then they would have to trade me somewhere. It's tough enough to trade a position player with a high salary.''

Not today: Angels right-hander Mark Gubicza, sidelined most of the season with shoulder problems, had a simulated game scheduled Thursday, but it was called off.

``Right now, the important thing is to get the arm ready for next year,'' said head trainer Ned Bergert. ``He will continue with his rehabilitation.''

Hard knocks: Angels catcher Chad Krueter spent Wednesday's offday at the dentist receiving caps for his two front teeth that were knocked out last week in Detroit when he ran into the top of the visiting dugout.

``They always say `Go knock yourself out,' '' said Kruter, unconscious for about 30 seconds after the incident. ``I finally did.''

Local talent: Before the game, the Sylmar Stallions softball team was introduced to the crowd. Sylmar was the 17- and 18-year old Palomina World Champion.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: Angels' Dave Hollins is tagged out at home by Royals catcher Mike Sweeney in the fifth inning.

Associated Press

Box: ANGELS TODAY