JETHAWKS NOTEBOOK: BASS' PERFORMANCE CLEARS SPOT IN LINEUP : JETHAWK DRIVES IN 10 IN 3 GAMES.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Daily News Staff Writer

Each day, Jayson Bass walks into the ballpark with a lingering question.

Am I going to be in the lineup?

``When you get out there you just don't know whether or not you're going to be (starting),'' Bass said. ``When I see my name up there I know I have to come out and be ready.''

Driving in 10 runs with three triples in three consecutive games makes it difficult for a manager to erase your name. But the question has become habit for the five outfielders on the JetHawks current roster.

Of Luis Tinoco, Anton French, Marcus Sturdivant, Matt Sachse and Bass, none are guaranteed a position in the batting order.

``They've all got to play. And it's tough every day because I have to figure out how to get them all in,'' Jethawks manager Rick Burleson said.

Starting Bass in right field for three consecutive games has proven to be a wise choice for Burleson. While first baseman Cirilo Cruz was named the California League's batter of the week on Wednesday, it could be difficult for anyone to surpass Bass's three-night explosion when the week's best performer is announced next Wednesday.

On Monday, Bass went 2 for 5 with a triple and two RBI. Tuesday, also at Lake Elsinore, he added another triple, this one clearing the bases in the first, with four RBI. Wednesday against visiting Modesto, Bass led a 20-hit barrage with three hits, four more RBI and a triple for the third straight day.

``I'm getting lucky,'' a humbled Bass said. ``I'm taking advantage of the playing time. I'm hitting the ball good, and if it keeps up, (Burleson's) going to have to keep me in the lineup. I don't want to be out of the lineup.''

Fair play: Karl Thompson thought about waving his arms toward fair territory ala Carlton Fisk as his deep drive to left field kept hooking toward foul territory.

``I didn't think it was fair,'' Thompson admitted of a ball that home plate umpire Ryan Bleiberg ruled fair. The solo homer provided the JetHawks some breathing room, then a 5-3 lead that eventually spread out to a comfortable 12-3 win.

Thompson told teammates in the dugout he didn't plan on running. He just watched as Bleiberg rotated his hand to signify a home run. Then they all saw Modesto manager Juan Navarrete go ballistic as he was ejected by Bleiberg.

``It loosened everyone up,'' Thompson said of Navarrete's misfortune.

Add ejection: Bleiberg's first victim of the night was JetHawks pitching coach Jim Slaton, who was kicked out in the first inning for reacting to what he called a wisecrack directed at the JetHawks dugout.

Slaton said he was more ticked off at his starting pitcher Jason Bond's failure to cover first on a ground ball to the right side, giving Jeff DaVanon a gift infield single.

``I think I was way more mad about that,'' Slaton said.

The performance of reliever Cam Smith provided Slaton, who watched much of the game from just outside the JetHawks clubhouse, with more pleasant thoughts.

Smith used his blazing fastball, which regularly is clocked in the mid 90s, to toss 3-1/3 scoreless innings for his first save of the season and just the second of the 24-year-old right-hander's career which began in 1993 as a Detroit Tigers draft pick. The Seattle Mariners claimed Smith off waivers from San Diego last November.

``(Smith's) always had a very good arm but had problems commanding his pitches,'' Slaton said. ``I think you have to give a lot of credit to (Mariners pitching coordinator) Bryan Price because he's changed Smith's arm angle just a little bit. He's throwing the ball in the strike zone.''

Burleson also came away impressed with Smith, who has struck out 26 in 15-2/3 innings since joining the team on May 26.

``Cam Smith pitched very well. He's something. . . . He's come a long way,'' Burleson said. ``He has the best arm on the staff. If he can keep doing that a couple more times . . . he won't be here very long.''

A visit from the boss: Mariners general manager Woody Woodward was scheduled to be in Lancaster on Thursday and be at the ballpark tonight when the JetHawks conclude their three game series with Modesto.

Lopsided series: In five wins without a loss to Modesto at home this season entering Thursday's game, the JetHawks outscored the A's 62-18.

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