ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ORTIZ NOT CONTENT IN BULLPEN.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - A brief run of success in the bullpen has created an identity crisis for Ramon Ortiz.

He wants to be an Angel, but he considers himself a starting pitcher. Right now he's not, and that dissatisfaction led to a lengthy pregame meeting Friday with manager Mike Scioscia and other members of management to discuss Ortiz's role.

Ortiz went 1-3 with a 9.28 ERA in five starts, prompting Scioscia and pitching coach Bud Black to replace him with Aaron Sele, who was 4-0 with a 2.10 ERA as a starter entering Friday. Ortiz has done better in the bullpen, giving up just two earned runs in 13 innings (1.38 ERA) and he thinks he's pitched well enough to earn rotation consideration.

``It doesn't matter if I'm in the bullpen. Everybody knows I'm a starter,'' said Ortiz, who carried a 54-42 career record into this season. ``When I get myself together, I'll be a starter. I want to be a starter, and everybody knows I'm a starter. I want to stay with the Anaheim Angels. I don't want to go anywhere. But all I can say is I'm a starting pitcher.''

While Ortiz did not specify if he requested a trade, the Angels likely won't fulfill his rotation desires anytime soon. Ortiz faded badly since the midpoint of last season, Sele has pitched well in his absence, and the Angels feel John Lackey is a more consistent and long-term option. The club holds a $5.5 million option on Ortiz for 2005.

``Obviously, he's a candidate (to start) if the opportunity arises,'' Scioscia said. ``He's better prepared now than his past 25 starts. Although not every pitcher is (effective) every time, they're doing the job we need. Right now, his role is in the 'pen.''

Sele is a free agent after this season, so Ortiz could have a slot to slide into if the club feels compelled to pick up his option, an iffy proposition given his inconsistency. Because of his $3.1 million salary this year and decent recent production, he's also the Angels' best current trade chip. So, Ortiz might yet talk his way out of town.

``I've won a lot of games the last few years,'' he said. ``I know I didn't throw well, he sent me to the bullpen and I have my confidence back. I'm doing my job. That's all I can say.''

--Ailing Eck: Shortstop David Eckstein said his right hamstring tightened but did not pop when he strained it Thursday night. Eckstein sat out Friday and will sit again tonight, but Scioscia hopes to have him back Sunday, the same day designated hitter Tim Salmon (left knee) is expected to be activated.

Salmon finishes his rehab assignment with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga tonight.

--Percival ready: Closer Troy Percival said he was available to pitch, one day after he received a cortisone shot in his right elbow. He realizes the shot won't be a panacea, just something to get him through the season.

``If I feel I'm ready to roll, I'll go as long as I can. Hopefully that's Oct. 31st,'' he said.

--Building a case: Lackey said he doesn't plan to drop the appeal of his five-game suspension after his start tonight, but things could change.

``I still think I have a pretty good case,'' he said. ``But I'll consider everything after (today).''

--Injury update: Catcher Bengie Molina was scratched with a strained left calf suffered during pregame workouts.

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ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND