SMOKIN' ACE: LACKEY'S LOSS IS HIS GAIN.

Byline: DOUG PADILLA 

Staff Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. - The weight is off and the pressure is on for the Angels' Opening Day starter.

John Lackey has inherited the roles of staff ace and team leader. To carry that load, he shed a few pounds in the offseason. Nothing serious, Lackey insisted, but it has been obvious that winter workouts -- along with a tighter-cropped haircut -- have given the Angels have a more streamlined pitcher.

"I didn't really shed, I just didn't gain anymore," said Lackey, being modest about his new frame. "I was a straight fungo in high school. I was always trying to gain weight. Now I got to a point where I'm good here at this (point)."

Since Lackey is a Newport Beach resident now, his offseason workout program might have been inspired by a little bit of vanity. Instead of working with a personal trainer in Dallas like he did in previous offseasons, Lackey remained local and was able to work out with team conditioning coach Brian Grapes.

Lackey had a short commute to UC Irvine for his workouts and broke a sweat with Adam Kennedy and Darin Erstad before the three would be separated in the spring for the first time in years.

The impending loss of those team leaders made Lackey realize there would be a void in that department. He elected to not stake a claim as the leader but would set a good example. His workout program was the first step.

"Leaders don't choose themselves, guys choose you," Lackey said. "You just have to go about your business in a professional manner and work hard and hopefully guys will follow that."

Manager Mike Scioscia is pleased to see Lackey embrace the leadership void.

"He knows what needs to be done on the field and he brings that," Scioscia said. "He's mentoring a lot of the young pitchers. The other day he gave a talk to the minor-league pitchers on preparation. I think he understands the value of what he can bring in a leadership role and he's certainly embracing it."

Lackey's results this spring certainly have been worth emulating.

Before a rough outing against the Seattle Mariners last Thursday, Lackey had a 0.73 ERA in his first threeCactus League starts. He missed one start because a bout of bronchitis.

His teammates have noticed his focus. Even outside the organization this spring there has been plenty of talk about Lackey.

"John Lackey looks like he has a chance to be the best pitcher in the league right now," an unnamed American League executive told espn.com's Buster Olney. Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Lackey was the best he had seen in the Cactus League.

Lackey's 23 quality starts last season showed how good of a year he had even if other statistics weren't on his side. Only Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins had more quality starts.

Lackey failed to receive much Cy Young consideration, though, because of a 13-11 record. Never mind that his ERA was just 3.56 over a career-high 21 72/3 innings.

With better defense behind him this year and a little run support, Lackey might be looking at a Cy Young Award if he can repeat the same effort.

"I have high expectations," Lackey said. "I've had two pretty good years in a row numbers-wise, besides wins. If some things fall into place, nothing is out of the realm of possibility, I guess."

Over the past two seasons, Lackey is 27-16 in 66 starts and has an ERA to envy at 3.50.

While the Angels have been criticized for their failure to sign an impact offensive piece this offseason, from Lackey's spot in the middle of the infield he likes what he sees.

"I think Gary Matthews and Shea (Hillenbrand), I think those could be those guys," Lackey said. "They both are proven big-league hitters. Gary's going to help us as a pitching staff tremendously if you look at the range in center field. I think they did a great job of helping us out."

Lackey figures to show his appreciation in victories and maybe provide a little guidance along the way.

"I think we have enough character kind of guys in here that handle their own business," Lackey said. "I don't know how much (leadership) we'll need. I'm going to go about my business like I always do, work hard and compete when I'm out there. If somebody feels the need to follow that, good for them."

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