ANGELS NOTEBOOK: WASHBURN HOPES TALKS GO BETTER.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

ANAHEIM - Jarrod Washburn had a breakout season in 2002, winning 18 games and establishing himself as the club's No. 1 starter. But the Angels decided against offering him a multiyear contract, instead signing him to a one-year, $3.875 million deal.

Washburn would have liked at least to have been offered a deal for more than just one year, but he isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2004 season. After this season, Washburn will be in the same boat, but he's hoping the change of ownership from Disney to Arte Moreno might bring a change in how the Angels negotiate with him.

``We have a new owner now, but we have no idea how he'll handle contract issues,'' Washburn said.

Washburn acknowledged general manager Bill Stoneman - provided his contract is renewed after the season - still will be in charge of negotiating contracts for the team. But how Stoneman negotiates might be different, Washburn said.

``I think it's going to change,'' he said, ``because Disney told Stoneman what to do. And I think (Moreno) will be hands-on with the team as far as money issues.''

Because Washburn didn't get a multiyear deal, he essentially is playing this season for next year's contract. After going 18-6 last season, Washburn already has lost as many games this season in his 13 starts.

``I think I'm throwing just as good as last year. It's very comparable as last year; it's just that it doesn't show in wins and losses,'' Washburn said. ``I don't know what my ERA was at this time last year, but I bet it's better this year.''

He's right. At this time last season, Washburn was 6-2 with a 3.43 ERA. So far this season, he's 6-6 with a 3.13 ERA.

``The money will come, I'm not worried about that,'' Washburn said. ``All I care about is winning games for my teammates.''

--Agent's take: Washburn's agent, Scott Boras, said negotiating with the Angels should be easier now that the club is owned by a single individual and not a corporate entity.

``It's always easier to understand the philosophy of the team when the philosophy can be traced to one person,'' Boras said. ``They have the opportunity to get to know you, and you have the opportunity to get to know them. In the corporate world, it's less identifiable. The decisions on philosophy might be made by a group of employees or maybe 4 million shareholders.''

--Eckstein due back tonight: Shortstop David Eckstein was not in the starting lineup for the fifth consecutive game because of a bone bruise in his left hand. But he hit off a tee and hit soft toss Tuesday and will be in the lineup tonight if he has no setbacks.

--All-Star voting: Troy Glaus leads all American League third basemen in the latest All-Star Game voting, with Eric Chavez of the A's in second place. Among Angels in the voting, Adam Kennedy is fourth at second base, Eckstein is fifth at shortstop, and Garret Anderson is eighth, Tim Salmon 11th and Darin Erstad 13th in the outfield.

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- Joe Haakenson