ANGELS NOTEBOOK: PERCIVAL TO EVENTUALLY PASS THE TORCH, JUST NOT RIGHT NOW.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Troy Percival estimates it will take Francisco Rodriguez seven or eight years to match his 300 career saves, a moment Percival hopes to personally witness.

And no, he does not expect to be on the Angels' active roster at that time.

But Percival remains steadfast in his belief that he can be a viable closer for at least two more seasons, and he has 60 games left to convince the Angels of that. That's why allowing Rodriguez to pose with the souvenir ball from save No. 300 Wednesday wasn't a passing of the torch.

``Knowing Percy, if he was passing that torch, he had another one hidden,'' manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday. ``He still feels he's the best and that's what keeps him going. It's his way of recognizing what a terrific talent Francisco is, of saying, I expect you to do that.

``He realizes there will be a changing of the guard. When that will be, who knows?''

Percival celebrated Wednesday's achievement by getting some cold beverages with a few teammates and received about 30 congratulatory phone calls, ranging from Rod Carew to former teammate Phil Nevin. The milestone came at a time Percival has pitched well; he's given up just one earned run in his last 9 1/3 innings.

Even though his fastball has hovered around 93 mph, about 4 mph less than its peak, better location has enabled him to do more with his off-speed pitches. Scioscia says Percival has ``plenty on his ball'' and that he ``expects Percy to pitch at a high level for a long time.''

Whether that's with the Angels is something Percival, 34, won't worry about for now. The club has not approached him about an extension and he'd likely take a hefty pay cut from the $8 million he's making this season.

``I've always wanted to finish here,'' he said. ``But it's not in my control. I just want to finish the year strong, get 15 or 20 more saves. I'm not rushing off to free agency or anything. If it was five or six years in, I might feel different. But I've got 10 years in.''

--Watson investigates: Bob Watson, Major League Baseball's vice president of on-field affairs, had telephone conversations with Scioscia and general manager Bill Stoneman on Thursday as he gathers information to decide whether or not to suspend or fine Angels second baseman Adam Kennedy for Wednesday's pre-game scuffle with Texas' Gerald Laird.

Scioscia gave Kennedy the day off against Seattle left-hander Ron Villone and also urged Kennedy not to take batting practice. Kennedy is in a 2-for-21 skid.

``I think he's been pressing a little,'' Scioscia said. ``It will be good to get him off that treadmill a little bit.''

--Salmon in 9 hole: Tim Salmon made his first career start as the No. 9 hitter Thursday ... Garret Anderson returned to center field for the first time since straining a groin muscle last Thursday ... Scioscia said outfielder Jeff DaVanon is progressing from back stiffness and could be ready to return Aug. 9, when he's eligible for activation.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Vladimir Guerrero points to the sky after hitting a fifth-inning home run against the Mariners on Thursday.

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Box:

ANGELS vs. SEATTLE

-Gabe Lacques