BRUISED ANGELS HOPE FOR HEALTH.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

Taking a glance around the Angels clubhouse last week, Tim Salmon saw many different faces but basically the same talent as 1996.

Last season's club was pitiful on the mound and entered the All-Star break 8-1/2 games back.

But going into the second half, which starts today, the Angels are 44-42 overall and just 4-1/2 games behind the AL West first-place Seattle Mariners. All this despite an injury-riddled pitching staff that has been challenged by Murphy's Law.

So if the talent is the same, why is there such a big difference in success?

``Why? Well, the attitude of the team is not one to sit back and make excuses,'' said Salmon, who has a team-best 15 home runs. ``Things just kind of got rolling bad and it snowballed (in 1996). This year we have had a lot of success in between to keep the hope alive. But the main thing is (first-year) manager Terry Collins, (third-base coach) Larry Bowa and (first-base coach) Dave Parker have inspired everyone to play above their potential.

``Those are some good qualities that this team has that we haven't had in the past. The presence of the coaching staff is the difference. We are not a different team overall in any sense.''

It is amazing what Collins and Co. have accomplished in their first year in charge of Disney's new regime. The former Houston manager was banished from the Astros partly because of his fiery attitude. But in Anaheim, that has been a spark that has worked with the new and old Angels who have a throw-back approach to the game.

For example, center fielder Jim Edmonds has made Superman-like catches despite torn cartilage in his left knee and tremendous pain in the other. Third baseman Dave Hollins has played with cuts on his hands and the daily discipline that comes with diabetes. First baseman Darin Erstad has played with an irritated left elbow and no feeling in some fingers.

The team is loaded with players who aren't afraid to get dirty, bleed a little and sacrifice their bodies for an out. Effort is not a problem for the Angels.

``You sit here on the bench (and look at the scoreboard) and see that (Ken) Griffey Jr. has 80 RBI, Jay Buhner 60 RBI,'' Collins said. ``We have four guys with 40, I think. We have three or four guys with 10 homers. From what we have, it seems like a lot of days different people step up and are coming through when we need them.''

When asked who the Angels' first-half MVP was, Collins said, ``The trainers. That is why (athletic trainer) Rick Smith was selected to the All-Star Game.''

The bulk of the injuries have been suffered by the pitching staff. Chuck Finley entered the season on the disabled list. Closer Troy Percival was bothered by right shoulder nerve damage and spent time on the DL. And starters Mark Langston (left elbow) and Mark Gubicza (right shoulder) and reliever Mike James (right elbow) are on the DL now.

Rookie All-Star Jason Dickson, knuckleballer Dennis Springer, offseason acquisition Allen Watson and a make-shift bullpen have carried the weight. The Angels might need to get another arm in the second half to make a run at the playoffs.

Angels general manager Bill Bavasi would like to make a move, but says the time isn't right. Bavasi feels trade possibilities could open up as teams drop out of the wild-card race.

``It is a fine line to run because we have been competitive so far,'' Bavasi said. ``We haven't had Finley get on a run and we haven't had James on a consistent basis. If we could get those two things together we can be better. But would we like to make a deal? You bet.

``One good pitcher on any team makes a difference. Not just this team, but any team. Is this group good enough to challenge for a championship? Yeah, it is. Could we make changes? Yeah we could, no doubt about it.''

With all the Angels' pitching problems and the team's success despite it, Collins is already a candidate for the AL Manager of the Year award. While such an accolade would be nice, the skipper isn't worried about getting a pat on the back. Collins just wants to win.

``I want to be in the hunt . . . the race,'' said Collins, who was named the Sporting News Minor League Manager of the Year while at Albuquerque in 1987. ``I want to be in that hunt in September. You don't get mentioned for anything unless your players get the job done. Our guys have stepped up and done a great job. With the things we have gone through we could've had a lot of guys let down, but they haven't.

``We are where we are. You can always say to yourself `Gosh, we should've been here or God, we are lucky to be where we are.' There is a side to each of it. I just think, `Hey, we are 4-1/2 back and we are in this hunt.' We are going to come out in the second half hopefully healthy and playing well the entire half.''

ANGELS MIDSEASON REPORT

MANAGER - A. First-year skipper Terry Collins has juggles an injury-riddled club into the hunt for the AL West crown. The fiery leadership that didn't work in Houston fits nicely with this team.

GENERAL MANAGER - B-. Jim Leyritz, Allen Watson, Dave Hollins, Luis Alicea and Tony Phillips have proved positive for Bill Bavasi. Eddie Murray and Mark Gubizca have been busts.

STARTING PITCHING - C. The injury plagued trio of Chuck Finley, Mark Langston and Gubicza have as many combined wins as Watson has (seven) and one fewer than rookie All-Star Jason Dickson.

BULLPEN - C+. Troy Percival and Mike James have been bothered by injuries. However, Mike Holtz, Rich DeLucia, Pep Harris and Shigetoshi Hasegawa have been adequate Band-Aids.

CATCHER - B. Leyritz was hitting over .300 for most of the first half until being slowed recently by a chest injury. Still, he's hitting .281 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI.

INFIELD - B. 3BHollins (.292, 11 HR) and 1B Darin Erstad (.304, 57 runs) have added punch. Alicea has been solid at 2B. SS Gary DiSarcina (.255) is the only regular under .288.

OUTFIELD - A. Only minus: an occasional defensive attempt by Garret Anderson. Tim Salmon has shown signs of life. Jim Edmonds plays the field as if he has an ``S'' on his chest.

BENCH - B+. Tony Phillips is a definite plus. Craig Grebeck is batting .304, Jack Howell is a top pinch hitter and catcher Chad Kreuter is solid. The disappointment has been Murray.

OVERALL - B. After a horrible spring training, few gave the Angels a chance in the AL West. So far, they've shown a high pain threshold and a never-say-die attitude.

ANGELS TODAY

Game time: 12:15 p.m.

TV/Radio: Channel 9; KTZN-AM (710).

Matchup: Angels LHP Allen Watson (7-5, 5.23) will counter Oakland RHP Brad Rigby (0-2, 5.25) in the first of a four-game series at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. The Angels are 6-0 against the Athletics this season and haven't lost to them since Sept. 17.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos, 2 Boxes

PHOTO (1--color) Jim Edmonds has been riddled by injuries, but when in the lineup he wears an ``S'' on his chest.

(2) Darin Erstad, who moved from the outfield to first base this season, has been a consistent producer.

David Sprague / Daily News

BOX: (1) ANGELS MIDSEASON REPORT (see text)

(2) ANGELS TODAY (see text)