ANGELS NOTEBOOK: HOPING TO PUT DALLAS ON THE MAP.

Byline: Doug Padilla Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - With pain and frustration behind him - for the most part - Dallas McPherson can now work on supplying the Angels' coaching staff with a little headache.

McPherson is one of the early arrivals to spring camp, and if he can show he is completely healed from a hip injury, he could force the Angels to scramble their preliminary lineup plans.

So while Chone Figgins looks like the Opening Day third baseman, Darin Erstad looks destined to return to center and Casey Kotchman takes over at first, a productive and healthy spring from McPherson could see the Angels playing musical chairs at those positions.

``I'm able to go through a normal day here,'' said McPherson, who had arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in his left hip late last season. ``We'll see how things go when we start games and I'm doing back-to- back stuff, but right now I think I'm ready to go.''

It's not exactly the sound of a guy ready to explode back onto the scene, but less expectations put on the budding slugger could work in his benefit.

``When he came to last year's camp when there was a lot of hype and a lot of talk about Dallas,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``He was approaching it as if he was going out to win a job, as he is this year. I think that speaks volumes to his makeup.

``I reinforced to Dallas the importance of him to get healthy, and secondly to get into his game as early as he can in the spring so he can to give himself a chance to win a spot.''

The Angels certainly could use a power bat in the middle of the order to complement Vladimir Guerrero.

``We're excited about first getting him healthy and seeing where he is because this guy brings a part of our offense that we sorely need,'' Scioscia said. ``If he's the guy, when he's healthy he can be important.''

McPherson played in just 61 games last season, batted .244 with eight home runs and 26 RBI. When he finally went on the disabled list for the final time on July 8, he could hardly coax his hip into budging.

``I think I'm there,'' he said. ``My speed is not quite there. I was never a burner, but I'm maybe a step slower running. But I feel good at the plate, my arm feels good and in shape, my legs are in shape. Agility-wise and footwork-wise I think I'm where I need to be, other than maybe being a step slower down the line right now.''

--More juggling? Scioscia hasn't completely ruled out the idea of Erstad returning to first base this season but would only like to see it for a few innings at a time. Instead, the regular backups to Kotchman at first will be Robb Quinlan, Edgardo Alfonzo and McPherson, who played there early in his minor league career. McPherson is expected to take ground balls there this spring.

--K-Rod return could be delayed: After first being late to camp because of a personal matter, now comes word that Francisco Rodriguez is dealing with a delay in obtaining his work visa. It is not clear if the two events are related. An Angels representative said Rodriguez's arrival date is now ``indefinite.'' Scioscia expects his arrival early next week.

``These circumstances crop up with any player that lives outside the U.S.,'' said Scioscia, who is not planning to fine Rodriguez for being late. ``It's not the first time.''

--Colon to throw again: Bartolo Colon will have his second throwing session of the spring today. Scioscia believes the right-hander will need at least four throwing sessions before he is deemed fit to pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Colon missed the ALCS because of a slight tear in a muscle at the back of his right shoulder.

--On-sale dates: Angels individual game tickets will go on sale March 4 at 9 a.m. at the Angel Stadium main box office, through the Internet at www.angelsbaseball.com and at various Ticketmaster outlets.

Doug Padilla, [phone], Ext. 2758

doug.padilla(at)sgvn.com

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With his injuries in the past, Dallas McPherson gets ready for the season.

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images