ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SANTANA REVISITS WBC PLAN.

Byline: Doug Padilla Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - Ervin Santana had a renewed sense of patriotism Saturday when he was told the Angels really do not have a problem participating in next month's World Baseball Classic.

Santana initially had set his sights on participating for his native Dominican Republic, but in a meeting Friday with manager Mike Scioscia and pitching coach Bud Black he believed the pair suggested that participating in the tournament was a bad idea.

So Santana backed away from his WBC plan, figuring that loyalty to his team and employer was more prudent - except Scioscia claimed that he never suggested Santana not represent his country. The matter was clarified to Santana on Saturday, and he now wants to revisit the original plan of pitching for his country.

``I don't know what could have been misinterpreted,'' Scioscia said. ``It's certainly nothing that we'll get in the way of if any of our players if they are healthy. If guys are not healthy and at risk, obviously it's a decision that the organization would make to make sure guys are ready for the season.''

Santana is not a health risk. In fact, two other Angels WBC candidates, Bartolo Colon (Dominican Republic) and Kelvim Escobar (Venezuela), are both dealing with injuries and still are contemplating their participation in the inaugural tournament.

``He's one of three (Angels) starting pitchers on these initial rosters, and when you look at the three who are there, you come away saying (Santana is) the one you have the least concern over health-wise,'' general manager Bill Stoneman said.

Santana received clarification on the matter during Saturday's workout.

``They told me they wanted me to be focused on what we're doing right now,'' is how Santana interpreted Friday's meeting with Scioscia and Black. ``They want me to do a good job in the big leagues, so that's why it's going to happen.''

That idea has either changed or has been explained more thoroughly.

``The reality of it is that if guys are healthy and they want to pitch for their country, we're going to support that because I think that's a great honor,'' Scioscia said.

--Preparing WBC pitchers: With starters allowed a maximum of 65 pitches in the first round of the WBC, the Angels will use an intrasquad game Feb. 28 to help push their tournament-bound pitchers toward that mark. WBC games involving Angels players don't begin until March 7. The tournament actually starts March 3 in Japan for a group that includes Japan, China, Korea and Chinese Taipei.

--No more pitching staff increases: Even with the addition of Jeff Weaver, the Angels still do not plan on increasing their pitching staff.

``In a perfect world, I would hope we don't have to be over an 11-man staff,'' Scioscia said.

Scioscia believes Weaver's addition ultimately is a boon to workhorse reliever Scot Shields since Hector Carrasco appears destined for the bullpen. Instead of being used in a variety of roles, Scioscia plans on using Shields primarily out of the setup role for closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Doug Padilla, [phone], Ext. 2758

doug.padilla(at)sgvn.com

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