ANGELS NOTEBOOK: GREGG LOOKING TO RISE ON DEPTH CHART.

Byline: Doug Padilla  Staff Writer

PHOENIX - Known as Yao Ming in the Angels clubhouse, Kevin Gregg is trying to take his pitching to new heights.

The right-hander, who really does bear a resemblance to the Houston Rockets' center, would be better suited looking like a consistent major- league pitcher. He gave up two runs on five hits in two innings in his start against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, with a walk and a strikeout.

``That's my big thing,'' Gregg said. ``Inconsistency on a number of instances has killed me in the past. If I can show god stuff, I like my chances.''

His ability to pitch, of course, will end up being the major factor on whether or not he earns a spot on the major-league roster. But he does have a few advantages.

Unlike Esteban Yan or Jason Bulger, who figure to be in the fight for the final bullpen spot, Gregg has the ability to start games. That isn't all, though.

Not only is Gregg out of minor-league options, he also has been outrighted in his career, meaning that if the Angels don't place him on the major-league roster to start the season, the right-hander can become a free agent.

``It's something I'd have to deal with if it came up but it puts things in my favor a little bit,'' he said.

Ultimately, being able to spot start out of the bullpen could give him the edge.

``Yeah, I think the diversity of the roles I've had the last couple of years (helps),'' he said. ``I've gone from starting to a couple of years ago when I was basically setting up games. I showed success in all those roles so basically that does give me somewhat of an edge, I would think.''

Gregg need not wonder. His manager can see the advantages.

``Any type of player that is versatile, it obviously adds to his value,'' Scioscia said. ``At times he hit some rough spots last year but his ability to start is obviously very important to our organization.''

--On the bubble: Tim Salmon was given the day off Sunday after playing three consecutive games. While he has looked good in the early going this spring, his chances of making the team will hinge on an ability to do more than pinch hit.

``When you talk about the 25th guy, if Tim doesn't forge enough through the spring to win a job and get significant playing time, then how he helps us will be limited,'' Scioscia said. ``He really needs to do one thing for us and that's to swing the bat.''

--Vlad's debut: Vladimir Guerrero is expected to see his first action of the spring today when the Angels travel to Scottsdale to face the San Francisco Giants.

--Good news: John Lackey, who is rebounding from a sore shoulder, had a successful long-toss session and is in line for two bullpen sessions this week. He likely will make his first Cactus league start next weekend.

--Error prone: Third baseman Chone Figgins made his third error of the spring (in four chances) in the first inning but rebounded with some nice defensive plays. He also had a triple and a double in his first two at-bats.

``Figgy is solid down there,'' Scioscia said. ``He's not going to let a mistake faze him. He had a tough play the first time and came back to make a couple of nice plays.''

--Extra work: Scot Shields got in some work for Team USA in an exhibition game against the Giants. He went two-thirds of an inning, giving up a hit while recording a strikeout looking on a changeup.

Doug Padilla, [phone], ext. 2758

doug.padilla(at)sgvn.com

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-Doug Padilla