BASEBALL NOTEBOOK: CANSECO DAZED AND CONFUSED OVER ANGELS RELEASE.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Reports

One day after his release, Jose Canseco returned to Angels camp Thursday his release to ``clarify'' some issues. But after meeting for an hour with manager Mike Scioscia and general manager Bill Stoneman, Canseco said he was more confused than ever.

``This whole thing is like a scene from the 'Twilight Zone,' '' Canseco said. ``It's been a nightmare.''

The Angels said the move to release Canseco and replace him with Glenallen Hill as the designated hitter was pretty clear cut - they like their lineup with Hill in it better, primarily because they believe he'll be more durable over the course of the season.

Canseco played in only 13 spring games and got just 39 at-bats because of nagging injuries to his lower back, hamstring and neck. But he said they were the normal aches and pains typical of spring training.

He denied a report that claimed he was ``damaged goods'' because of back problems.

``I'm trying to clarify that it's not so. I'd be willing to show up in any camp right now, and I guarantee I'd be one of the fastest guys with the most power,'' he said.

Canseco said ``spring training is a time of experimentation, adjusting to the new strike zone, getting your timing down.''

Scioscia said he made it clear to Canseco throughout spring training what the club was looking for from him.

``He was a little upset this morning,'' Scioscia said. ``I told him my concerns were absolutely long-term health related. If he feels Bill's evaluation was in error, that's a difference in opinion. There are always going to be differences in that regard.''

``Whatever his perception is, is his perception,'' Stoneman said. ``All I can tell you is I had a choice of Glenallen Hill or Jose. My choice was Glenallen Hill. That's what it boiled down to. We have to make a lot of choices in this business.''

--Padres, Marlins trade: Pitcher Matt Clement and left fielder Eric Owens were traded from the San Diego Padres to the Florida Marlins for right fielder Mark Kotsay.

Kotsay, 25, has one of the best throwing arms in the game, getting 53 outfield assists in the past three seasons. He established career highs last year with a .298 average, 31 doubles, 12 homers and 19 steals in 152 games.

--Boston suspends Everett: Carl Everett is getting off to a fine start with the Boston Red Sox. A suspended one, too.

The Red Sox, upset that Everett missed a team bus and skipped a workout this week, fined their defiant center fielder $97,222 and suspended him for Thursday's exhibition game against Minnesota.

``Carl has a better understanding of his role on the team,'' said Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette. ``We had a candid exchange and I believe the issues are resolved.''

``I'm not worried about fines and different stuff like that. We've got April through October to worry about,'' Everett said.

--Fight suspensions: Chicago Cubs pitcher Julian Tavarez and San Francisco third baseman Russ Davis also were suspended after their spring- training brawl this week.

Tavarez was suspended for five games and Davis for three games, with the penalties to start on opening day. The players were fined undisclosed amounts by Frank Robinson, vice president of on-field operations for Major League Baseball.