ANGELS NOTEBOOK: THIS TIME, THEY WANT TO BE ONES CELEBRATING.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

SEATTLE - In 2000, the Seattle Mariners celebrated clinching the American League wild-card berth with a victory over the Angels in Anaheim. Last season, the Mariners beat the Angels in Seattle to clinch the AL West title.

The Angels were forced to watch both times, but this season payback might be in order. With a couple of victories here this weekend, the Angels can do the celebrating by clinching the wild-card spot, which would ensure their first trip to the playoffs in 16 seasons.

Though the Mariners were the favorites to win the division after winning 116 games in 2001, the Angels don't see clinching here as vindication. Clinching in Tampa Bay would be just as sweet, they say.

``This isn't a personal thing against anybody there,'' center fielder Darin Erstad said. ``Getting to the playoffs is a goal we've had. I respect Seattle too much, it's not even a thought.''

Many players have avoided questions about the playoffs, preferring to wait until they've clinched, knowing all too well the Angels' past September failures.

``We think about (the playoffs) when you guys (reporters) ask us,'' Erstad said. ``But once you get on the field, it's business as usual.''

--Postseason moves: The Angels have some options when it comes to their playoff roster, and there could be one significant surprise.

The Angels might include 20-year-old reliever Francisco Rodriguez among those on the 10-man pitching staff. Baseball rules state players eligible for the postseason roster must either be on the 25-man roster or on the disabled list by Aug. 31. Rodriguez wouldn't qualify, except that the rules also state a player on the disabled list at the end of the season can be replaced by anybody that was in the organization Aug. 31.

The Angels would use the spot of pitcher Steve Green, who has been out all season after elbow surgery.

--Sele update: Aaron Sele threw about 30 pitches in a simulated game Friday as he continues to rehabilitate the partially torn muscle in his right shoulder. However, Sele almost certainly will not be on the playoff roster.

Sele does not have enough time to build up the stamina and arm strength to start, and Scioscia said the club would prefer not to use him out of the bullpen because he's not used to that role.

--Trade done: The Angels completed their July 31 trade with the Milwaukee Brewers by announcing the player to be named. The Angels sent pitcher Pedro Liriano to the Brewers to complete the deal in which they acquired outfielder Alex Ochoa and catcher Sal Fasano. In addition to Liriano, the Angels sent backup catcher Jorge Fabregas and minor-league infielder Johnny Raburn to the Brewers.

--Tent city: A new city of Angels - fans in tents - has sprouted up overnight on the hot asphalt parking lot outside Edison Field.

Alan Senseman, shirtless as he grabbed a throw from a new pal during a game of catch, showed up at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and claimed the No. 1 spot in line for Angels playoff tickets.

Although Angels' playoff tickets - which go on sale at the stadium at 9 a.m. today - also will be available on the Internet, by early afternoon Friday there were some three dozen tents, a couple of dozen cabanas and barbecue grills, a few TVs, and probably a hundred or so coolers plopped down in the parking lot.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

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