ANGELS NOTEBOOK: PHILLIPS CAN BE CLEARED.

Byline: Joe Haakenson San Gabriel Valley Tribune

A representative for Tony Phillips submitted proof in court Monday that the former Angel has completed a drug-diversion program, part of his agreement to have charges against him for drug possession dismissed.

Phillips remains free on his own recognizance. A dismissal hearing was scheduled for next May 4.

Phillips was arrested on Aug. 10 at an Anaheim motel for buying $30 worth of rock cocaine from a police informant. Though he returned to finish out the season with the Angels, Phillips was unable to land a deal with anybody for the 1998 season.

``I don't think his skills have gone bad,'' Angels manager Terry Collins said. ``From what I saw last year, no, they haven't. He's still got a great eye, he knows the strike zone.

``The Mets called me about him and I told them this guy knows how to play. I thought he could help them.''

Phillips, who made $1.8 million with the Angels in 1998, reportedly turned down a $500,000 offer from the Mets.

``I just wonder if the fire still burns,'' Collins said of Phillips.

Finley throws: Pitcher Chuck Finley played catch for six minutes Monday to test his bruised left elbow, which was injured Saturday when hit by a line drive from the White Sox's Chad Kreuter. He said he felt fine.

Finley is expected to play catch again today, but it won't be clear whether he'll make his next scheduled start until he throws on the side Wednesday. If all goes well, Finley would start Friday. If not, he'll wait until next Tuesday.