ANGELS NOTEBOOK: ROOKIE IS READY FOR ACTION.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Upon arriving Monday for the delayed start of his much-anticipated rookie season, third baseman Dallas McPherson was predictably modest, noting that the job isn't his to keep and that whoever produces will stay in the lineup.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia has a slightly different perspective. McPherson is a significant part of the organization's future and a key part of their present after the troika of Robb Quinlan, Lou Merloni and Maicer Izturis combined to go 7 for 40 (.175) as the starting third baseman while McPherson worked into shape at Triple-A from a herniated disk in his back.

After a 6-6 start, the Angels are starved for McPherson's power potential at third base. They recalled him Monday and placed catcher Bengie Molina on the 15-day disabled list.

``Mac has a chance to be a special offensive player,'' Scioscia said. ``You know the expectations we had for the third-base position. Hopefully, he'll step up and bring the offense we need.''

--No comment: Bengie Molina declined to speak to reporters about his right quadriceps injury, which he suffered running the bases Sunday in Oakland. Molina has had a bevy of leg injuries in his six-year career, but Scioscia noted that a quadriceps injury can be a serious problem for a catcher, because of the squatting that is necessary.

The injury occurred despite Molina having reported for duty 22 pounds lighter this season. He was hitting .323 with two home runs. Jose Molina and Josh Paul will take over in his absence.

--Pep talk: John Lackey and Scioscia met for about 25 minutes behind closed doors, a day after Lackey blew three leads in a 7-6 loss to Oakland. Scioscia's message, Lackey said, bounced between a kick in the butt and a pat on the back.

``I played for my dad in high school. I can take a little bit of it,'' Lackey said.

--Prinz update: Reliever Bret Prinz, recovering from a shoulder injury, is scheduled to play catch a second time Wednesday and hopes to throw off a mound by the weekend.