ANGELS NOTEBOOK: IT COULD BE OVER FOR BELCHER.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

TUCSON, Ariz. - They forever will be linked as a part of World Series history, but pitcher Tim Belcher and designated hitter Jose Canseco have long since seen their best days as major-leaguers. And their days as Angels teammates are probably nearing an end.

While pitching in the first game of the 1988 World Series for the Dodgers, Belcher yielded a grand slam to Oakland's Canseco. The game became famous for Kirk Gibson's game-winning home run in the ninth.

Now, the 39-year-old Belcher seems on the verge of either retiring or being released. And the 36-year-old Canseco's continuing health problems have the Angels considering their options without the former Bash Brother.

Belcher will speak with general manager Bill Stoneman today or tomorrow about his status with the club, and he continues to have dialog with manager Mike Scioscia. Scioscia said the club's pitching situation is ``crystalizing,'' and it doesn't seem Belcher is a part of the plans.

By getting his release this weekend, Belcher would have some time before opening day to try to hook up with another team if he wants to play.

``Tim has to make a realistic assessment if he doesn't make our club, if he wants to continue pitching or not,'' Scioscia said.

Meanwhile, Canseco was scratched from Friday's game against the Rockies because of a stiff neck. He was examined by team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum and was scheduled for X-rays.

``It's no big deal,'' Canseco said. ``During the season the only way I'll come out of the lineup is if I have an injury that requires surgery.''

Canseco, who is hitting .207 with no homers and one RBI this spring, missed nine consecutive games with injuries to his lower back and hamstring earlier this month.

``Him being healthy is a question mark,'' Scioscia said. ``He's a great player, but we need him to show us he can play and be healthy.''

Among the Angels' top options to take on the primary designated-hitter role should Canseco not make the team are Scott Spiezio and Jose Fernandez. Spiezio is hitting .327 with three homers and 11 RBI; Fernandez is hitting .389 with three homers and eight RBI.

--Washburn recovering: Pitcher Jarrod Washburn, out all week with what is believed to be strep throat, was feeling good enough Friday to return to camp and get in a light workout of jogging on the treadmill and playing catch.

Washburn had a fever as high at 103 earlier in the week and has undergone a variety of tests to determine his illness. An initial test for monolucleosis was negative, but he is awaiting word on additional tests.

Washburn seems to have come to realize that an opening-day start is out of the question, but he hopes to begin the season in the rotation and start later during the season-opening road trip.

``I probably changed their plans, if that was their plan for me to start opening day,'' Washburn said. ``I don't think they would want to give me one more (spring) start and get out there (for opening day).''

By missing today's scheduled start, Washburn has now missed his last two starts. He last pitched on March 14 and hasn't gone more than 3 2/3 innings, so his primary goal is to build endurance once he's healthy again.

``I was in really good shape before this happened, so I don't think it will take too long to get back to where I was before,'' he said. ``I don't feel too bad.''

Scioscia, though, said the club will be cautious with Washburn.

``You know Wash, he'd run through a ring of fire right now,'' he said. ``That's why they call him the cowboy.''