BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT

Jim Edmonds, who originally was expected to get about 150 at-bats this season while being used primarily as a defensive specialist, is quickly changing the Angels’ plans.

Edmonds, who had never played first base, proved Wednesday that he is quite proficient. Considering that he might also be the Angels’ best defensive outfielder, and is batting .417 this season, Edmonds might find himself in the lineup quite more frequently.

“He’s surprising the hell out of me,” Angel Manager Buck Rodgers said. “I watched him make those plays (Wednesday), and I said, ‘I can’t believe how smart you are, Rodgers.’ I could have looked real dumb, real fast.

“Jimmy has become a valuable bench player on this team.”

Said Edmonds: “I feel like I can play anywhere. If I was right-handed, I think I could play all nine positions. I’ve always wanted to play the infield, be closer to the action, so this is great.”