BIGGEST QUESTION: Can starting pitchers recover from...

BIGGEST QUESTION: Can starting pitchers recover from a season in which they combined for a 46-72 record and a 5.57 earned-run average? Because of injuries and ineffectiveness, the Angels used 29 pitchers--including 12 starters--in 1996, a major league record. Chuck Finley and Mark Langston are not the highly reliable left-handers they once were, oft-injured Mark Gubicza is eight years removed from his last All-Star season, and newcomer Allen Watson, a first-round pick in 1991, has not yet lived up to expectations.

* SUREST BET: Right fielder Tim Salmon will soon sign the largest contract in franchise history, a five-year deal in the $25-million range, but left fielder Garret Anderson’s attempt to secure a multiyear deal will be rebuffed. Anderson is looking for a contract in the four-year, $10-million range, but the Angels are not convinced Anderson, who had a subpar ‘96, is worthy of such a commitment.

* JOB SEEKERS: The most notable is pitcher Jim Abbott, who is fighting to salvage what had been a good career until last season’s 2-18 disaster. Abbott has worked extensively this winter with pitching coach Marcel Lachemann and is said to be making progress, but if Abbott struggles in ’97 as he did in ‘96, don’t be surprised if the Angels negotiate a buyout of the remaining $5.6 million on his contract and Abbott retires.

* WHAT, ME WORRY? Though Terry Collins had success at Houston, leading the Astros to a 224-187 record and three second-place finishes, it came at a price. He often spread himself too thin and vows not to let that happen in Anaheim. “One of the things I realized is when you try to please everyone, you don’t please yourself,” Collins said. “I tried to keep the owner, general manager and players happy in Houston, and it pulls you in too many directions. I’m just going to manage this team and not worry about those other things.”

* WORST-CASE SCENARIO: Finley, Langston and Gubicza act their age, suffering physical breakdowns that force them to the sidelines. The Angels hit .257 with runners in scoring position, as they did last season. Lachemann’s return as pitching coach--he resigned as manager Aug. 6--causes friction in the clubhouse or poses a threat to Collins. Abbott retains his 1996 form, and the Angels have no choice but to release one of the most popular players in franchise history.

* BEST-CASE SCENARIO: Finley delivers 200-plus innings, Langston and Gubicza remain injury free, Watson provides consistency, and Abbott regains his pre-1996 form. Jim Edmonds stays sound and plays his first full big league season. Anderson, Dave Hollins and Jim Leyritz hit for power and in the clutch, and the entire team embraces Collins’ firebrand approach and plays the way it did for much of 1995.