ANGELS NOTEBOOK: STARTING PITCHER TOP PRIORITY.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - The Angels have made it clear signing a frontline starting pitcher will be their main priority this offseason. But manager Mike Scioscia said the team is comfortable with its organizational depth in the event they swing and miss in their hunt for a starter.

That prospect became a greater possibility Friday, when Bartolo Colon, the Angels' top offseason target, told reporters in Chicago he would like to remain with the White Sox.

``I want to come back here,'' Colon said through an interpreter, adding that there was a ``very good chance'' he would return. ``I like the city and the ballclub.''

Chicago general manager Ken Williams could be in an inflexible payroll situation because several young, core players are in line for big raises. But he also called Colon a ``key ingredient in our quest to win'' and has extended Colon a multiyear offer.

If Colon's off the market, the Angels might be forced to browse a bargain bin of pitchers that includes today's starter for the Texas Rangers, John Thomson.

And if they come up empty in that market, so be it, Scioscia said.

``You want your depth chart to be eight or nine deep. If no names are added, we have accomplished that,'' he said. ``Our pitchers rebounding will provide the bulk of improvement.''

Beyond the current starting five of Jarrod Washburn, Ramon Ortiz, John Lackey, Aaron Sele and Scot Shields, Scioscia believes Kevin Gregg (2-0, 1.35 ERA in three starts this year) and Chris Bootcheck can provide immediate depth if necessary.

The more intriguing in-house options for next season are Double-A pitchers Ervin Santana and Bobby Jenks. Both, Scioscia said, could provide late-season depth charges in the manner Gregg and Lackey have the past two seasons.

--Salmon full-time DH? Tim Salmon might be the Angels' full-time designated hitter next season, but he's operating under the assumption he will play some in right field. So he has a simple objective heading into the offseason.

``I want to try and regain a half-step,'' said Salmon, who started 79 games in right field and 64 at DH this season. ``I'm going to get in shape. My legs weren't in the shape they could have been in. I'm going to come into spring ready to play the field.''

Coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, Salmon had perhaps his worst season in right field this year and saw his DH role increase significantly when Brad Fullmer was lost for the year June 26. The Angels might add an outfielder through free agency or trade and Darin Erstad might move to a corner outfield spot, so it would seem unlikely Salmon will be the right fielder next year. But he's preparing as if they'll need him.

``I need to be ready for whatever they need me to do,'' he said. ``I can always fall back into a DH role.''

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ANGELS vs. TEXAS

- Gabe Lacques