Langston Feels Good as Ever

Mark Langston entered the Angels’ first 1997 spring training workout Sunday feeling every bit as good as he did a year ago in Tempe, Ariz. The cynical among Angel fans must be thinking, “Uh-oh.”

The left-hander felt great going into the 1996 season, too, but suffered a knee injury jogging in the outfield in May and underwent surgery. Then in July, Langston wound up on the disabled list because of a mysterious nerve irritation of his right leg.

The knee broke down again in a swimming-pool mishap in early August and Langston sat out the rest of the season, finishing 1996 with lifetime lows in innings (123 1/3), wins (six) and strikeouts (83).

After being disabled only twice in 12 years, Langston’s DL three-peat of ’96 fueled speculation that age had finally caught up to the 36-year-old, that he would break down more often.

“Maybe it was a wake-up call,” Langston said Sunday in Tempe Diablo Stadium. “No doubt, I had to look at things training-wise a little differently. I’m a lot more cautious about things now.”

With the help of strength coach Tom Wilson, Langston adjusted his winter weight-training regimen to include more leg work. He used to rely exclusively on running for lower-body strength, but he now uses treadmills and stair-climbers for his cardiovascular work.

The result? “My knee feels as strong as ever,” he said

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The Japanese media contingent following pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa swelled to 72, and cameras trailed him from his car to the clubhouse to the practice fields. “I thought Michael Jackson was out there for a second,” pitcher Chuck Finley said of the mob scene. . . . Angel pitchers, who will hit during interleague games this season, were all set for their first bunting drill Sunday, but there was one minor problem. “We forgot their bats,” Collins said. Once the proper lumber was secured, pitchers bunted for about 15 minutes. “They looked awkward, but they did fine,” Collins said. “I’m not concerned about them hitting. It’s bunting and running the bases that are important. I don’t want them diving head first and blowing out their shoulders.” . . . No, that won’t be Guy Hebert behind the plate this season, but catcher Jim Leyritz will look like an NHL goalie. Leyritz plans to wear the hockey-type face mask that was recently approved by major league baseball. . . . Shortstop Gary DiSarcina, who has worn No. 33 in honor of former Boston Celtic great Larry Bird, has switched to No. 9 so designated hitter Eddie Murray can wear No. 33. . . . The Angels donned new pinstriped pants Sunday, but several players had to return them for larger sizes. “Pinstripes may make you look thinner,” closer Troy Percival said, “but they don’t make you feel it.”