ANGELS NOTEBOOK: JOSE MOLINA MATURES.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he'd ``like to get the whole team playing together'' within the next week, something that has not happened yet this spring because of the injuries to catcher Bengie Molina and center fielder Garret Anderson.

The club has been particularly cautious with Molina, who has a history of hamstring problems and has experienced tightness in his legs since playing in the first spring game March 5.

Although Molina's health issues remain a concern, younger brother and backup-catcher Jose Molina has made strides in all areas. He came to camp ready to compete for the backup role with newcomer Josh Paul, having lost 20 pounds during the offseason with a better diet and exercise program.

He worked with a nutritionist, ``eating salads and things I've never even heard of before,'' said Jose, who also worked on all facets of his game playing in the Puerto Rican winter league.

``Last year was a hard year for me, in every aspect - hitting, catching and my weight,'' said Jose, who hit .184 in 53 games.

``Last year I was thinking, 'I'm in the big leagues, that's it, I don't have to work hard.' But now I know when you get to the big leagues, you have to work even harder to stay. It was a learning experience. It was all my fault, I take the blame. It's why I did what I did in the offseason.''

--Action soon for Anderson: Anderson (Kennedy High of Granada Hills) could begin swinging a bat as soon as today and should get into his first Cactus League game by the weekend. Anderson has been out of action all spring because of biceps tendinitis in his right (non-throwing) arm.

--Injury update: Pitcher Brendan Donnelly, who suffered a broken nose Tuesday, had his splint removed Sunday and is expected to get into a game toward the end of the week.

Outfielder Jose Guillen was scratched from Sunday's game because of a strained muscle in his right rib cage.

Joe Haakenson, [phone]

joe.haakenson(at)sgvn.com

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