ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SCHOENEWEIS SET TO ATTEND MEETING.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Scott Schoeneweis might have lost his job as the Angels' No. 5 starter, but the other role he plays on behalf of his teammates is about to take on a greater importance.

Schoeneweis is in his first year as the Angels' union representative, taking over from fellow pitcher Jarrod Washburn, who remains active in labor affairs. Player representatives are meeting Monday in Chicago during the All-Star break, and a published report Thursday said the union is planning to set a strike date.

Schoeneweis downplayed, but did not dismiss, such a possibility.

``I don't know if it will come down to that or not,'' said Schoeneweis, who has a degree in history from Duke. ``We need to get information about where the owners are at, and what we can do between now and the end of the year to shorten the gap. Once both sides decide they're ready to make the deal, you can go from a (wide) gap to a shorter gap in a short amount of time. Hopefully, that's what will start to happen.''

Schoeneweis will lose one of his three days off during the break to attend the meeting.

``This is our livelihood, the future of the game,'' Schoeneweis said. ``This is something we have to do. Brokering a deal is important for fans and everyone involved.''

--Fullmer back: Designated hitter Brad Fullmer was back in the lineup after missing the past two games with flu-like symptoms. Tests came back negative on the Montclair Prep of Van Nuys product, who felt dizzy and lightheaded.

``I don't feel great, but I'll try to get in there tonight,'' said Fullmer, who doubled in his first at-bat Thursday.

--In a Wash: Angels manager Mike Scioscia stopped short of announcing the pitching rotation for the Angels' return from the All-Star break, but indicated Washburn probably will start the first game, in Kansas City on Thursday. Washburn, who pitched eight shutout innings Wednesday night, will have had eight days of rest, unless he is added to the American League squad for the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Washburn has won his past nine decisions, tying Oakland's Barry Zito (USC, Pierce College) and Arizona's Curt Schilling for the longest winning streak this season.

--Back for second half: Utility man Shawn Wooten will continue his rehabilitation assignment Monday and Tuesday at Rancho Cucamonga because the Angels' Triple-A Salt Lake affiliate will be on its own All-Star break. Wooten, recovering from a strained oblique muscle, will be evaluated Wednesday in Anaheim and Scioscia said he'll probably be activated to start the second half.

--Our time: The Angels canceled batting practice, allowing Scioscia time to play long toss with his 13-year-old son, Matt, a budding first baseman/catcher.

--Holiday spirit: Amid the red-white-and-blue decorations, naval officers accompanied players to their positions for the national anthem.

ANGELS vs. TAMPA BAY

Time: 7:05 p.m., Edison Field.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net; 570-AM, 1090-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: The Angels begin a seven-game stretch against teams with winning percentages of less than .400 by sending RH Aaron Sele (7-5, 5.03) to face Tampa Bay LH Joe Kennedy (5-7, 4.16). Then, they play 21 games against contenders Minnesota, Oakland, Seattle, Boston and the Yankees. Sele is coming off a three-hit shutout of the Dodgers, an effort that shaved more than half a run off his ERA. Kennedy pitched a four-hit shutout against Seattle earlier this season. Saturday - Angels RH John Lackey (1-1, 2.77) vs. TBA; Sunday - Angels RH Ramon Ortiz (8-6, 3.38) vs. Tampa Bay RH Tanyon Sturtze (1-9, 4.81).

- Gabe Lacques

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