ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SALMON: DH ROLE LIMITED.Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer SURPRISE, Ariz. - Tim Salmon n. Baseball Abbr. DH A player designated at the start of a game to bat instead of the pitcher in the lineup. Noun 1. 21 times during the regular season last year. Returning from offseason surgery on his left knee, Salmon could see even more time at DH this season, but don't tell him he's being eased into that role. ``I don't see that happening,'' Salmon said. ``I don't think it's happening this year or next year. The goal isn't to turn me into a DH now. The goal is to get me healthy and get me out there. ``(Manager Mike) Scioscia never has been a fan of playing a guy 162 games. He wants me as fresh as I can be. And he'll use me in the DH role so he can work other guys into the lineup.'' Salmon said his knee is not 100 percent, and it probably won't be for a while. But the team has three days off in the first eight days of the season, so Salmon will have the chance to work his way into the season slowly. ``There are going to be a lot of things we can do according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. how Tim is feeling,'' Scioscia said. ``But our best lineup is with Tim in right field. That allows us to get the bat of either (Brad) Fullmer or (Shawn) Wooten into the lineup.'' When Salmon does start as the DH, newcomer Eric Owens will get the start in right field. Owens is solid defensively and eager for playing time. ``We have versatility because we have depth,'' Scioscia said. ``We'll adjust as we go.'' Salmon will turn 35 on Aug. 24 but isn't ready to give up the idea of playing in the outfield every day. ``When I'm healthy I expect to be in there,'' he said. ``(Fellow starting outfielders) Darin Erstad Darin Charles Erstad (born June 4, 1974 in Jamestown, North Dakota) is a first baseman/center fielder in Major League Baseball currently with the Chicago White Sox. Prior to 2007, he had played his entire career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim franchise (1996-2006). and Garret Anderson Garret Joseph Anderson (born June 30, 1972 in Los Angeles, California) is a Major League Baseball left fielder who has played his entire career for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. don't like to DH, so I'm the odd man out, only because I've done it more often and I probably handle it better.'' --Scioscia not satisfied: With a tie Friday, the Angels are 5-11-1 this spring. Normally, a losing record in spring training isn't a reflection of the type of season to come. Last year, the Angels were 17-15 in spring training before winning the World Series. But Scioscia said there are some things that have gotten under his skin at times. ``When there are things I know our club can do, it's a little disappointing,'' Scioscia said. ``There are a lot of little battles within spring games. We're winning a lot of 'em, we're executing on the mound. ``But we're not executing a lot of offensive opportunities. That's to be expected, that's what spring training games are for. But when you don't have the execution you're looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. , things like not getting a bunt down, you want to address it and make sure you're working toward that goal.'' --Appier sharp: The Angels looked better Friday, even though the Texas Rangers Texas Rangers, mounted fighting force organized (1835) during the Texas Revolution. During the republic they became established as the guardians of the Texas frontier, particularly against Native Americans. rallied against the Angels bullpen for a 9-9 tie that was called after 10 innings at Surprise Stadium. The Angels received a solid outing from starting pitcher Noun 1. starting pitcher - (baseball) a pitcher who starts in a baseball game baseball, baseball game - a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs; "he played baseball in high school"; Kevin Appier The Antelope Valley High, Antelope Valley College Antelope Valley College is a comprehensive community college located in Lancaster, California, USA. It is operated by the Antelope Valley Community College District, with a primary service area of 1,945 square miles covering portions of Los Angeles and Kern counties. ), who gave up two runs and three hits in 4 1/3 innings, the longest outing by an Angels pitcher this spring. Appier is not completely comfortable with his mechanics yet, but that is to be expected at this time of camp. ``I'm probably more susceptible (to mechanical flaws) than the average guy,'' Appier said. ``But I don't want to change anything because it adds to my deception.'' Appier's performance Friday continued a stretch of solid outings by the starters. In the past four games, Mickey Callaway, John Lackey, Ramon Ortiz and Appier have combined to allow four runs and 12 hits in 16 1/3 innings. --Ump's warning: Appier hit the Rangers' Juan Gonzalez with a pitch - a changeup - in the bottom of the fifth inning. In the top of the sixth, Rangers pitcher Esteban Yan grazed Brad Fullmer across the front of the jersey with a fastball, and home-plate umpire Chris Guccione issued a warning to both teams. ``I know there was nothing going on from our side,'' Scioscia said. --Also: Pitcher Jarrod Washburn, who sprained his shoulder March 3, threw a full bullpen session Friday. He's expected to start again sometime next week. ... Angels pitcher Matt Hensley was hit by a line drive in Friday's game that grazed his right ear. Hensley, who deflected the ball with his glove, came out of the game feeling a little dizzy. CAPTION(S): box Box: ANGELS vs. CHICAGO CUBS - Joe Haakenson |
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