BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Smith Exceptional, Lachemann Says

Angel closer Lee Smith, who picked up his league-leading eighth save against the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, has his quirks, such as his leisurely stroll from the bullpen to the mound and his penchant for clubhouse naps during games.

Manager Marcel Lachemann acknowledges that the right-hander often strays from the mainstream when it comes to work habits.

“There are certain things you make everyone do, but there are certain exceptions for some players,” Lachemann said.

What are Smith’s exceptions?

“Whatever he wants,” Lachemann said. “He does his work, he knows what he’s supposed to do. You don’t put up his numbers [a major league-leading 442 career saves] without doing that.”

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Mark Langston, who had a career 8-1 record and 2.01 earned-run average in Comiskey Park, wasn’t nearly as overpowering Friday against the White Sox as he was against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

But the left-hander was effective despite suffering from a stiff lower back, giving up three runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out one in six innings.

Most impressive was the way he handled Chicago first baseman Frank Thomas, who had a career .452 average (14 for 34) and four home runs against Langston.

Thomas, who flew out in the first inning, came up with runners on first and second in the third and grounded out. First and second were occupied again in the fifth when Thomas flew to the warning track in center.

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Tim Fortugno, a former Southern California College pitcher who played seven minor league seasons before making the Angels in 1992, pitched two scoreless innings of relief for the White Sox on Friday night.

Fortugno was cut by Philadelphia in 1989 but kept pitching for the independent Reno Silver Sox for $500 a month. A Milwaukee scout spotted the left-hander that year and signed him for $2,500 and 12 dozen baseballs.

The White Sox claimed Fortugno off waivers in January, and he has appeared in eight games, giving up only two earned runs in 10 1/3 innings.