ANGELS NOTEBOOK: SCIOSCIA OK IN KEEPING GUTSY GLAUS IN LINEUP.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - The way third baseman Troy Glaus limped his way around the basepaths Saturday night, it was a wonder how he could make it out to his car after the game, let alone be in Sunday's starting lineup.

But manager Mike Scioscia, usually cautious in such situations, particularly early in the season, had Glaus starting Sunday's game, sore left hamstring and all.

``We talked to him (Saturday) night, during the game, after the game and (Sunday) morning,'' Scioscia said. ``It is getting better. We don't feel there's any significant risk, any more than any other player. We're watching him closely, and we need to stay on top of it, especially with a guy counted on to be a big part of our lineup.''

According to Scioscia, Glaus' limping was simply his way of protecting himself and wasn't as bad as it looked. On Saturday, Glaus scored from second base on a line-drive single to right field by Eric Owens, and Glaus also had a double.

On Sunday, Glaus, who also has been bothered by tendinitis in his right wrist, went 1 for 4, including a home run to left-center in the seventh inning in which he rounded the bases without a noticeable limp.

--Taking notes: Scioscia is the only manager in the American League West who managed his team last season. With Bob Melvin in Seattle, Ken Macha in Oakland and Buck Showalter in Texas, Scioscia has been observing the developing styles of his counterparts.

So far, Scioscia has seen Macha the most, having played the A's six times in their 12 games. But Scioscia said he doesn't have a good read on how Macha's managerial style compares to Art Howe's, who managed the A's last season.

``In the series in Oakland (last week) they ran the bases more aggressively, and they did use sacrifices more often,'' Scioscia said. ``But it's too early to form any opinions. Ken's going to have to adjust to what works for his club. If he's able to use some tools of putting guys in motion (stealing bases, hit-and-run), I'm sure he'll do it.''

--Balanced bullpen: The Angels have one of the best bullpens in the league, anchored by closer Troy Percival. Ideally, either Francisco Rodriguez or Brendan Donnelly will set up Percival, though others - Ben Weber and Scott Schoeneweis - are capable if needed.

``Our versatility in the 'pen gives us our depth,'' Scioscia said. ``We have a guy like Weber who can pitch the fifth and sixth inning one night, and two nights later pitch the eighth or even close. The talent in our 'pen lends itself to having defined roles, but we can make adjustments and not miss a beat.''

On Sunday, long reliever Scot Shields picked up a save by throwing three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit.

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ANGELS vs. TEXAS

- Joe Haakenson