BASEBALL NOTEBOOK: PERCIVAL APPROVES CONTRACT EXTENSION.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Reports

The 2001 baseball season closed with Angels closer Troy Percival declaring his desire to leave the club, but a few short months and one front-office change later, Percival has agreed to a two-year contract extension.

The Angels already had Percival signed for 2002, exercising a $5.25 million option. The extension begins in 2003 and will pay him a total of $16 million - $8 million per season.

Percival had one of the best seasons of his career last year, going 4-2 with a 2.65 ERA and 39 saves in 42 opportunities. In 57 2/3 innings, he struck out 71 and walked only 18, while limiting opposing hitters to a .187 batting average.

``Troy's a key player for us,'' Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said. ``I said that back at the end of last season and I also said we were planning to have him beyond 2002.''

--Astros want Enron removed: The Houston Astros, tired of the high heat some fans are throwing the team's way because of Enron, are looking for some relief. The baseball team asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to yank the Enron name off their home field.

``The Houston Astros have been materially and adversely affected by the negative public perception and media scrutiny resulting from Enron's alleged bad business practices and bankruptcy,'' Pam Gardner, team president, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Enron bought the naming rights in 1999 for more than $100 million. The contract was to run for 30 years. The company is now in bankruptcy court in New York and is being investigated by the Justice Department, Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Enron, which on Monday shelled out $90,000 for box-seat tickets as required by the naming contract, apparently isn't going to throw in the towel.

``We continue to honor the agreement,'' said Karen Dense, an Enron spokeswoman.

--Gonzalez back with Rangers: The Texas Rangers finally wrapped up the details concerning outfielder Juan Gonzalez formally announcing he signed a two-year, $24 million contract.

Gonzalez gets a $2 million signing bonus, a $10 million contract for 2002 and $12 million for 2003. $10.5 million of the contract will be deferred.

--Red Sox, Garces agree: Reliever Rich Garces agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Garces was 6-1 last season with a 3.90 ERA in 62 relief appearances. He pitched 67 innings. He was signed by the Red Sox as a free agent in December 1995.

Garces is 19-3 with a 3.11 ERA, pitching 182 innings in relief for the Red Sox over the past three seasons.

--Indians sign Olivares: Omar Olivares agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians and was invited to spring training.