ANGEL NOTEBOOK : Pitchers, Not Nerves, Getting to Hudler

The Angels are trying to shake the doldrums and clinch a division title. The Royals, in the thick of the wild-card race, are keeping watch on a half dozen teams on the scoreboard every night.

In both clubhouses, pregame stomachs churned.

In both dugouts, throats were dry and palms were wet.

And then there’s Rex Hudler.

Hudler was chatting with Kansas City shortstop Greg Gagne before Wednesday night’s game and came away aghast.

“I said, ‘Gags, how much fun is this?’ ” Hudler said. “And he said he wasn’t having any fun. He said he was just grinding it out and there was so much pressure. I said, ‘Man, we’re both hustling players, we’re giving it our absolute best every night. You got to let it go and let the results take care of themselves. We have to keep going out there every night and have fun.’

“I mean, neither of us have that many years left. We have to keep it in perspective. I’m struggling as bad as anyone, but I’m still having fun.”

Hudler, of course, makes Mr. Rogers look like a pessimist. But he began Friday night’s game mired in an 0-for-18 slump and Royal ace Kevin Appier didn’t make it any easier. Hudler struck out in his only two at-bats.

So even Hudler will admit that--in the safe and comfortable confines of his own home--he’s muttered a discouraging word or two.

“I’ve had moments, you could ask my wife, when I get a little down, but I always say, ‘Hey, you’ve got to figure yourself out here.’ It’s easy to get into a negative rut. The game is so difficult and there are so many negatives. Sometimes, you’re overcome by the negatives.

“But there are always little positives you can hang onto through the tough times. So I try to turn the page and when I get to the park, I focus on things I can do to help the team.”

Friday morning, Hudler discovered that the cult of negativity has members everywhere. There are doubters lurking around every corner. Even those you trust the most can bring on a bummer.

“My mom called today and says, ‘Hud, how come you’re not hitting?’ ” he said, laughing. “You know, family are always the toughest critics because they know what you’re capable of and they always expect the best from you.

“I thought about it for a minute and said, ‘You know Mom, this is my best season ever because this is the best team I’ve ever been on.’ Everybody loses perspective, even your mom. Hey, I’m playing on the best team in the West and I’m playing . I’m having the time of my life.

“I guess I just refuse to let the last few days of my career be ones where I’m running scared. I hope to be around for a couple more years, but time goes by so fast, I want to make sure I remember this year as very special. You persevere for the prize and you have fun while you’re doing it. I’m just thankful to be here and I’d be lying if I told you I was stressed out.”

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Short-order rehab: The Angels had originally planned to ease Gary DiSarcina back into the lineup with a rehabilitation assignment in the Arizona instructional league. But it now appears the All-Star shortstop will try to get ready without the benefit of facing live pitching in a game.

DiSarcina, who tore a ligament in his left thumb Aug. 3, hit 80 balls off a tee and took 30 swings against pitching from 40 feet before Wednesday’s game. He said he felt only “slight discomfort.”

“We’re going to wait and see where it’s at, but we’re going to see if he can work it out here,” Manager Marcel Lachemann said. “We’ll get him the velocity of pitching he needs to get ready.”

The Angels hope to have DiSarcina, who was hitting .317 with 26 doubles, 41 runs batted in and 56 runs scored, back before the regular season ends.