ANGELS NOTEBOOK: FIGGINS QUICKER, STRONGER.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas - Chone Figgins' offseason workout regimen seemed to pay dividends Wednesday night, when the 5-foot-8 second baseman lashed his first home run of the year in the Angels' 7-5 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Power isn't the biggest upside of Figgins packing about five more pounds of muscle on his now-185-pound frame. Figgins, already among the fastest players in the majors, claims he's even faster now.

``I feel quicker,'' said Figgins, who set a single-season club record with 17 triples and stole 34 bases last year. ``I noticed that in spring training. My legs are stronger. As they continue to get stronger, I'll pick up a step.''

He's also picked up a new nickname, courtesy of shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera has dubbed Figgins ``Catfish,'' because of Figgins' speed on the bases and his slow, meticulous style of eating.

Figgins can only grin at his new handle, and he notes he has changed his diet so he's less likely to wear down over the course of a season. While he went hitless in his first 17 at-bats against Texas, he perked up the past two games with the homer, two doubles and two walks and noted he's ``too good of a hitter'' for his cold spell to continue.

Once he starts getting on base more often, he figures to unleash his legs even more.

``Anytime you feel like you're getting a better jump, it helps,'' he said.

--Guerrero at DH: Vladimir Guerrero started at designated hitter Wednesday, one day after suffering a bruised right knee and leaving the game in the fourth inning. With an off day today, Guerrero will have two days to protect the knee from the rigors of outfield play.

Guerrero suffered the injury on a steal of third, when catcher Rod Barajas' throw struck him in the knee. Guerrero stole 40 bases as recently as 2002, but just nine in '03 and 15 last year. Scioscia said despite Guerrero's value to the club, he won't discourage him from running to avoid injury.