ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SCIOSCIA: ERSTAD'S PERFECT FIT FOR NO. 2.

Byline: Gordon Verrell Staff Writer

When Angels manager Mike Scioscia switched Darin Erstad from leadoff to the No. 2 spot in the lineup last week in the opening game of a series in Cleveland, it wasn't merely a new wrinkle designed to jump-start the sluggish offense.

To hear Scioscia tell it, Erstad's in the second slot for good.

``If this lineup works, he might be hitting second for the next 12 years,'' Scioscia said.

The qualifier, of course, is ``if it works.'' Scioscia sees no reason why it won't. He continues to defend the move.

``With David Eckstein and Orlando Palmeiro sharing the leadoff spot and getting on base,'' Scioscia said, ``hitting second is a great slot for Darin. He can set the table just as well from the second spot.

``But, we expect run production from everyone no matter where they're hitting.''

Erstad started Tuesday night after missing two games because of a sore back apparently related to a strained right knee.

``He came out of it fine,'' Scioscia said. ``No problems.''

--Relief is a relief: Right-hander reliever Al Levine, who followed starter Pat Rapp to the mound, was one of the keys to the Angels' 6-4 win Tuesday night. Levine got a one-pitch double-play grounder to get out of the sixth inning, then worked a 1-2-3 seventh.

``He's very consistent,'' Scioscia said of Levine, who's allowed just one earned run in 13 1/3 innings over nine appearances. ``He's getting ahead (in the count), he's very versatile, he's picked up right where he left off last year.''

Shigetoshi Hasegawa followed Levine with a perfect eighth, then Troy Percival pitched the ninth, allowing an unearned run but no hits and emerging with a save. In all, the bullpen held the White Sox hitless the final 3 2/3 innings.

--Thomas late scratch: Frank Thomas was scratched from the White Sox's lineup 30 minutes before game time. He complained of soreness in his right triceps, forcing him to miss a fourth consecutive start.

--Darin Erstad Field: Formal dedication of the West Long Beach Little League Field in Silverado Park will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m., with Erstad, for whom the field will be renamed, on hand for the opening ceremonies.

The renovated complex consists of a new grass infield, as well as two new T-ball fields, improved irrigation, new turf, additional bleachers, a new outfield fence and a new scoreboard.

ANGELS vs. CHICAGO

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

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

Matchup: Originally, Ramon Ortiz was to be the Angels' starter tonight, but he's been moved to Saturday night and right-hander Ismael Valdes (1-2, 2.89 ERA) will go in his place. Valdes came out of his previous start last week in Cleveland after only five innings because of a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand. It's a recurring problem, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia sees no need for him to baby it longer. ``Two days aren't going to make any difference,'' Scioscia said, ``and Ramon needs another good bullpen (workout).'' Chicago's James Baldwin (0-1, 7.36 ERA), a right-hander, is 2-5 against the Angels in his career but is 0-3 at Edison Field and has allowed 24 runs in 35 innings (6.17 ERA) in his six starts in Anaheim.

-Gordon Verrell

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ANGELS vs. CHICAGO (see text)