ANGELS NOTEBOOK: TRIP EAST NOT AS DAUNTING.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - New York and Boston used to be the downfall of many an Angels season.

Their 1995 collapse was accelerated by a late August trip to Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. The Angels lost all five games on that trip to complete a 4-8 record in those parks that season. They also went 4-8 in Boston and New York in '96.

But since then, the Angels' East Coast fortunes have changed.

They went 5-5 at the two cities in 1997 and '98, then slipped back to 4-8 in '99. Under manager Mike Scioscia the past two seasons, the Angels are a combined 8-6, including a four-game split at Yankee Stadium and a three-game sweep at Fenway last season.

The Angels begin a seven-game trip to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park tonight, and their recent success in the hostile East Coast ballparks doesn't make this trip the daunting task it once was.

``These guys, we have a lot of confidence in our club,'' Scioscia said. ``This group of guys has taken this trip and played well. Why, I don't know. These guys match up well with (Boston and the Yankees) and they've held their own the last couple of years.''

--Different view: Starting a game at Yankee Stadium can be a rite of passage for a young pitcher. John Lackey doesn't necessarily see it that way.

Lackey, 23, has been praised for his poise since his call-up from Triple-A in June. Lackey (5-2) has already beaten the Seattle Mariners on the road with first place on the line, and twice stopped Angels losing streaks with victories. So he's not too intimidated by Thursday night's starting assignment.

``Just because of the historic value behind it, it'll be cool,'' said Lackey, an Abilene, Texas, native. ``It's another step along the way. It will be a hostile crowd. You just gotta rise above it and handle your business.''

--Sad site: Before leaving for New York, Scioscia said the Angels had no official plans to visit the former site of the World Trade Center. Because Wednesday's game is a 1:05 p.m. local start, and Thursday is a getaway day, time may not permit a visit.

It is the team's first trip to New York since Sept. 11.

ANGELS vs. NEW YORK

Time: 4:05 p.m., Yankee Stadium.

TV/Radio: Channel 9 (delayed, 5 p.m.); 570-AM, 1090-AM

Matchup: Angels right-hander Aaron Sele (8-8, 4.72 ERA) opposes New York left-hander Andy Pettitte (7-4, 3.09). The Yankees have lost just one of their last 15 series. They lead the major leagues in home runs and have eight hitters with double-digit home run totals. Second baseman Alfonso Soriano on Saturday became the first second baseman to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. Pettitte is 5-2 in his career against the Angels at Yankee Stadium. Angels third baseman Troy Glaus has 14 RBI in his last 15 games and has raised his batting average to .247. Wednesday - Angels RH Ramon Ortiz (10-9, 4.22) vs. New York RH Orlando Hernandez (6-3, 3.54). Thursday - Angel RH John Lackey (5-2, 3.11) vs. New York LH David Wells (13-6, 4.22).

-Gabe Lacques

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ANGELS vs. NEW YORK (see text)