ANGELS NOTEBOOK: COOK MIGHT NOT MAKE THE CUT.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

OAKLAND - As the Angels head to the playoffs, they continue to evaluate their options when it comes to deciding on a 25-man playoff roster. Left-handed reliever Dennis Cook, who turns 40 on Oct. 4, is on the bubble, particularly because the Angels probably will reduce their pitching staff to 10.

Cook went nearly two months without pitching because of a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder. He considered surgery, which would have ended his season and, in all likelihood, his career.

But Cook opted to rehab the shoulder through rest and therapy for the chance to pitch late in the season and possibly the playoffs. But since being activated Sept. 1, Cook has gotten into just three games, throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

The Angels' bullpen has pitchers in established roles and has the best ERA (2.89) in the American League. But Cook would give the Angels a second left-hander in the bullpen and also give them someone who has postseason experience.

Cook has appeared in 19 postseason games, throwing 16 1/3 scoreless innings and allowing just five hits. He has six appearances in the World Series.

``I understand where (manager Mike) Scioscia is coming from,'' Cook said of his lack of opportunity to pitch since coming off the disabled list. ``What can I say? I'm just hoping for the opportunity to pitch. My postseason record speaks for itself. I think that it's important to have people who've been there before and people who won't be overly excited about it.

``My goal is to pitch in the postseason. I didn't postpone surgery to watch. My health is not an issue. But if I don't get to pitch, I'll stay and watch and root the guys on.''

--Percival's milestone: Closer Troy Percival's save Tuesday was his 40th of the season and the 250th of his career.

``The 40th is more important than the 250th,'' Percival said. ``Because it came against the Oakland A's and we're fighting for the division championship. I don't look at career accomplishments until it's all said and done. I've still got three or four more years left in me.''

Percival credited his teammates for helping him reach 40 saves for the second time in his career (42 in 1998).

``First, they have to get a lead, and second, the bullpen has to protect that lead leading up to me,'' Percival said. ``They've done a fantastic job this year.''

--No difference: One day after throwing on three-days' rest, pitcher Jarrod Washburn felt the normal stiffness in his throwing arm Wednesday. Washburn made 107 pitches in eight scoreless innings in the Angels' 1-0, 10-inning victory.

Washburn will make his next start Sunday in Seattle against the Mariners.

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