BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Easley Regains His Confidence

The day after going two for four and ending a 0-for-32 streak, second baseman Damion Easley said he is determined to avoid another slump and the anguish it brought.

“Who knows?” Easley said. “I could start another kind of streak. [Sunday] was the start. Now, I’ve got to keep going.”

The Angels’ winning record seemed to help Easley’s confidence.

“I’m not hitting, but obviously I’m doing something OK,” he said. “If I’m not hitting--and I’m not saying I’m the best hitter out there--and we’re still winning, I’m doing something to contribute.”

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Seattle’s Kingdome is almost universally despised by players and fans, and there is talk of building a baseball-only stadium with a retractable roof. Angel reliever Lee Smith likes the Kingdome, however.

“This is one of my favorite bullpens,” Smith said. “You don’t have to walk from another country [to reach the mound].”

Smith’s leisurely strolls to the mound have become renowned around the major leagues. The Kingdome bullpens are down each foul line, closer than most in the American League.

Smith’s least favorite? Baltimore’s terraced bullpens beyond the outfield fence at Camden Yards.

“You’re out by the barbecue,” he said. “The smoke is blowing so hard you can’t see the field.”

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Manager Marcel Lachemann said injured catcher Andy Allanson, sidelined because of a cut on his left hand, is at least five days away from being activated from the disabled list. . . . Tony Phillips’ first-inning home run marked the 17th time in his career that he’s led off a game with a homer. It was the second time this season. . . . Seattle infielder Felix Fermin, hit on the left elbow by a pitch from Chuck Finley on Saturday, did not start for the second consecutive game.