ANGELS NOTEBOOK: KENNEDY READY FOR MORE.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - As Adam Kennedy waits as patiently as he can for his broken right hand to heal, he has time to contemplate the upcoming season and what he expects from himself.

Kennedy, who broke a bone in his right hand when hit by a pitch March 8, is expected back in early April. He had a respectable season in 2000, hitting .266 with nine homers and 72 RBI, progressing defensively over the course of the season at second base and finishing sixth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.

He wants to improve his overall game and for guidance looks to teammates Darin Erstad and Troy Glaus.

``Their thing is they both struggled the year before having monster seasons,'' said Kennedy, who played at Cal State Northridge. ``I saw the transition, what they did to change and improve. That's what I learned from them the most. Hopefully, I can do the same.''

One aspect of Kennedy's game already has improved - his confidence. He was traded to the Angels along with pitcher Kent Bottenfield for Jim Edmonds last spring and was named the club's starter at second.

``Last year, coming into spring training I didn't know how I would do in a full season in the major leagues,'' he said. ``I know now what I need to work on. It's nice to be able to focus on a few of those things.''

Kennedy wants to improve his defense, particularly turning the double play. He also wants to be more selective at the plate, draw more walks and try to keep from hitting the ball in the air so much.

``Those things make your average go up,'' he said. ``Of course, I'd like to hit .300. I understand the big picture: The little things help you get to that point.''

Kennedy also had to adjust to playing close to home, where people often would call and ask for tickets. But he's gotten help.

``My parents have been so supportive,'' he said. ``I had to realize I'm not here to please people I've grown up with. They've helped out quite a bit.''

--Rapt Rapp: Pat Rapp gave up two runs and six hits in six innings Tuesday - the longest outing by an Angels starter this spring - in Anaheim's 7-4 win over the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

He struck out six, increasing his team-leading total to 15. He also leads the team with 16 innings pitched and his ERA is 3.38.

``Today he stepped it up, he threw upwards of 80 pitches,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``He's got a legitimate hook and he changes speeds well. He's a little odd in that you don't see a lot of righties with the cut on his fastball he has.''

--Injury update: Tim Salmon tested his sore abdominal muscle Tuesday by getting about 10 at-bats during a simulated game, though he did not run the bases. Salmon, who hurt himself March 10 while scoring from first on a double by Glaus, hasn't played since but might be ready by the end of the week.... Shawn Wooten, out with a sprained ligament in his right knee, also might be back by the end of the week.

--Roster moves: Outfielder Alex Diaz was released Tuesday and utility player Justin Baughman was reassigned to minor-league camp.

--On deck: The Angels face the San Diego Padres today (12:05 p.m., 570- AM, 1090-AM) at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Ramon Ortiz starts for the Angels against the Padres' Bobby Jones.