ANGELS NOTEBOOK: VLAD ARRIVES CONTENT.

Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - About 10 miles from here, the National League's Most Valuable Player, flanked by handlers, reported to spring training Tuesday through a gauntlet of news cameras and promptly spent an hour at a podium defending himself on national television.

At Tempe Diablo Stadium, the AL MVP arrived in his clubhouse without fanfare, happily shagged flyballs, took a few rounds of batting practice as a hailstorm touched down, then answered a smattering of questions from a half-dozen reporters before leaving for the day.

The Angels realize they have it pretty good with Vladimir Guerrero aboard. His first day of spring training as a reigning MVP looked a lot like the first eight years of his career: all business, no bluster, no controversy.

``It's nothing we take for granted,'' Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. ``Vlad's very comfortable in the arena that's important. And that's playing the game. Vlad's world is between the white lines. And that game didn't change.''

No, Guerrero acknowledged, winning an MVP award after hitting .337 with 39 home runs and 126 RBI was not a life-altering experience. He cited a cola endorsement he received, didn't bother mentioning the video- game cover his image will grace and seemed, well, a lot like the smiling but reserved star who arrived here a year ago.

``I haven't changed,'' Guerrero said through an interpreter. ``I'm still doing the same things, living in the same place, and I hope God gives me the health to continue doing the same things. Basically, what I'm trying to do is continue doing what I'm doing.''

--Outsider Salmon: Tim Salmon hung out with teammates Tuesday morning, then quietly exited when workouts began. The 12-year Angels veteran will be around sparingly this spring while rehabilitating offseason knee and shoulder surgeries.

``I almost feel like an outsider when I evaluate the team,'' Salmon said. ``I almost want to say, 'They're going to be good,' instead of 'We're going to be good.' Sitting in street clothes when everyone's playing is kind of weird.''

--Bill introduced: State Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Anaheim, introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at the Angels' name change. The proposed legislation by Umberg would require professional sports teams to print disclaimers on their tickets, advertising and promotional materials if they do not play most of their home games in the geographic location used in their name.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Gabe Lacques, [phone]

gabe.lacques(at)sgvn.com