How It’s Shaping Up for Angels

Who’s new: Manager Mike Scioscia, pitchers Kent Mercker, Tom Candiotti and Brett Hinchliffe, infielders Scott Spiezio, Pat Kelly and Jason Bates.

Who’s gone: Pitchers Chuck Finley, Mike Magnante and Steve Sparks, infielder Jeff Huson.

Biggest question of the spring: Can Scioscia and Bud Black, the new pitching coach, forge a decent rotation from the mishmash of candidates new General Manager Bill Stoneman has assembled? The only locks appear to be Ken Hill and youngster Ramon Ortiz, the Angels’ top prospect who was called up in August and had mixed results in nine starts.

Job seekers: At least 10 starters will compete for rotation spots, the left-handed relief and long-relief spots are up for grabs, seven players will compete for the second base and utility infield jobs, and any one of three catchers could emerge as the starter.

Keep your eye on: Mo Vaughn. He can’t be pleased with the direction the Angels seem headed, but if he comes to camp in great shape and with an upbeat attitude, he could set a positive tone. If he starts questioning management or hints he’d like to be traded, he will fuel a defeatist feeling that seemed to fester among some veterans over the winter.

Reasons to be excited: Vaughn, hampered by a severely sprained left ankle for the entire 1999 season, and Tim Salmon, who sat out 2 1/2 months because of a sprained left wrist, have recovered from their injuries, and if they remain sound, the middle of the Angel lineup could be potent.

Reasons to be worried: Even if Angel pitchers avoid the injuries that have hampered them for years, the rotation does not seem strong enough in some spots and experienced enough in others for the Angels to contend.

Projected lineup: 1. Darin Erstad, left field; 2. Spiezio, second base; 3. Vaughn, first base; 4. Salmon, right field; 5. Jim Edmonds, center field; 6. Troy Glaus, third base; 7. Garret Anderson, designated hitter; 8. Benjie Molina, catcher; 9. Gary DiSarcina, shortstop.

Projected rotation: Hill, Mercker, Tim Belcher, Ortiz, Jarrod Washburn.

Projected bullpen: Mark Petkovsek, Shigetoshi Hasegawa, Mike Holtz, Al Levine, Lou Pote.

Projected closer: Troy Percival.

Projected payroll: $51 million.

*

* ANGEL SCHEDULE, PAGE 9