ANGELS NOTEBOOK: NEW OUTLOOK CONTRIBUTES TO DAVANON'S SUCCESS.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

MESA, Ariz. - Jeff DaVanon is proving that, just maybe, being of sound mind might be better than being of sound body.

DaVanon has been plagued by injuries for much of his career and this winter was unable to work out for several weeks because of back stiffness. But the respite might have done him good.

``This is the least prepared I've ever been for camp,'' said DaVanon, who's in the running for the final reserve outfielder spot. ``But it's the most relaxed I've ever been.''

That's because DaVanon got married in November, added a dog - a bull mastiff - to his new family shortly thereafter and came to camp with a clearer mind.

DaVanon, 29 is having a solid spring. He's hitting .273 with a team-leading three home runs in 33 at bats. He's also performed well in the outfield, and his switch-hitting ability, power and speed are pluses in the battle with Julio Ramirez and Chone Figgins for the final roster spot.

Ramirez has the best throwing arm of the trio, but he's a right-handed hitter, which the Angels already have on the bench. Figgins' speed is a major plus, and he's had a surprisingly strong spring at the plate. But Figgins, a second baseman, only recently has worked in the outfield.

DaVanon's biggest negative, particularly since his role would involve some pinch hitting, is his ability to make contact. In 138 major-league at-bats, he's struck out 42 times, and he's struck out eight times in 33 at-bats this spring. But he said his mindset is different now.

``That's my biggest problem - I've been too hard on myself,'' he said. ``I don't handle failure well. I have a different attitude because my life has changed.''

Third-base coach Ron Roenicke, who works with the outfielders, has noticed.

``Whether you talk to him or watch him in the clubhouse, he's more comfortable, more confident,'' Roenicke said. ``I see a different look in him. In Triple-A he didn't strike out as much, and his swing this year is as good as I've seen it. He's giving himself the chance to be that kind of hitter.''

Being healthy doesn't hurt, either. DaVanon spent last April with the Angels before getting sent to Triple-A Salt Lake, where his lower-back stiffness knocked him out from May 25 to Aug. 29. He missed the entire 2000 season with a torn left labrum.

``I always play the game hard, if I'm hurt or whatever,'' he said. ``I'm out of body parts.''

--Washburn update: Jarrod Washburn took another step toward getting ready for the first week of the season, throwing 59 pitches in three innings of work against Chicago Cubs prospects at the Angels' minor-league complex.

Manager Mike Scioscia and pitching coach Bud Black won't rule Washburn out of an opening-night start, but the most likely scenario is that he would start the fourth game of the season, at Oakland on April 4.

Washburn's final Cactus League appearance figures to be Tuesday against Colorado, when he will try to throw 70 to 75 pitches. Scioscia indicated he might juggle the current spring rotation to align either John Lackey or Kevin Appier for the opening-night start.

Washburn gave up five hits and three earned runs Thursday, all of them in the first inning. But catcher Bengie Molina said the movement on Washburn's fastball was better the last two innings, and his slider again looked sharp.

Washburn said he would feel confident starting opening day if he reaches the 75-pitch plateau in his next start.

``In my mind, I would be ready, but they could still have some reservations,'' he said. ``Mike and (pitching coach) Buddy (Black) know what they're doing. If I start opening day, great. If not, that's fine.''

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