ANGELS NOTEBOOK: TEAM 'GOOD ENOUGH,' SAYS GM STONEMAN.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

SEATTLE - The July 31 trading deadline is more than a month away, but it's not too early for teams that consider themselves in a pennant race to start looking to make moves.

Other than the ongoing need all teams have for more pitching, the Angels' holes are at shortstop and designated hitter. But Angels general manager Bill Stoneman doesn't consider those areas too deficient to overcome.

``These guys are good enough to do it,'' Stoneman said. ``It should be good enough. We've been a pretty good team right from opening day . . . Usually, what help clubs look for first is pitching. We've got guys at (Triple-A) Edmonton that ought to be here, in terms of our depth.''

Seth Etherton likely would be the first to get recalled if there is a pitching need. He went 3-1 with a 4.98 ERA in six starts but was sent down to make room on the roster for tonight's starter, Ken Hill.

Offense hasn't been a problem, but in a best-case scenario, the Angels would like more of a run-producer in the DH spot, someone like the Orioles' Harold Baines. However, bringing in that type of player would change the makeup of the roster overall.

``So far, (Scott) Spiezio has some key hits for us (in the DH spot),'' Stoneman said. ``Since we're going with 12 pitchers, his ability to fill in at third or second has been important. We've got to be careful when you start to toy with the makeup of your team. If you bring in a guy that's a one-dimensional player and can't play the field, you've got to consider that before you make a move.''

--Percival improving: Closer Troy Percival is feeling good again after experiencing stiffness in his upper back/neck area during the weekend. He had a chiropractic adjustment Sunday to help alleviate the problem, but Percival will never be 100 percent.

``Being 100 percent is not a prerequisite,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ``If he's fresh and not stretched too far to alter his effectiveness, he'll be out there . . . He's never going to be a perfect machine. He's a survivor and gets the job done.''

--Surgery for Dickson: Pitcher Jason Dickson had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday, which revealed additional damage to the labrum in his right shoulder. He will miss the rest of the season.

Dickson had the same surgery in March of last year and missed the entire 1999 season. He was 2-2 with a 6.11 ERA in six starts this season.

ANGELS vs. SEATTLE

Time: 7:05 at Safeco Field

TV/Radio: No TV; KLAC-AM (570), XPRS-AM (1090, Spanish).

Matchup: Ken Hill returns to the mound after missing the past seven weeks with a strained rib-cage muscle. Hill (3-4, 7.41 ERA) will be opposed by Seattle's Jamie Moyer (6-2, 4.35). To make room for Hill on the roster, the Angels were expected to option reliever Lou Pote to Triple-A Edmonton.

- Joe Haakenson

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Box: Angels vs. Seattle (see text)