ANGEL REPORT

The last time Ismael Valdes got cuffed around as he did by the Red Sox, who torched him for seven runs and eight hits in four innings Monday night, the Angel right-hander was placed on the disabled list--that came after a 3 1/3-inning, eight-run stint against the San Francisco Giants on June 14.

Valdes was also hit hard in his previous start, when the Detroit Tigers got 11 hits in seven innings against him Aug. 15. Several outstanding defensive plays helped limit the Tigers to one run against Valdes.

Another reason for concern: The velocity of Valdes’ fastball was a bit off the 90-mph readings he has had most of the season. But both Manager Mike Scioscia and Valdes say the shoulder is sound.

“Late in the season, for guys who throw a lot of innings, it’s normal to be fatigued, to go through a dead-arm period,” Valdes said. “But that’s not the case. Everything is fine with the shoulder. It was just a bad game.”

*

Perhaps a new nickname for Scioscia is in order: Metaphor Mike. Last week, Scioscia compared the Angels’ ascent in the wild-card standings to climbing a mountain. “If you look too far ahead, you’re going to miss a step,” he said. “We’re taking it one rock at a time.”

When asked Tuesday if he was worried the Angels might get discouraged chasing two of the hottest teams in baseball, the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics, Scioscia compared the Angels’ plight to that of a race car driver.

“If you’re in the Indianapolis 500 and your car is leaking oil, you’re not worried about catching the car in front of you; you’re worried about getting your car in order and staying in the race,” he said. “Our car is in order now. Now we’re worried about catching the next car. We’re taking it one car at a time.”

*

Former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley stopped by Edison Field before Tuesday night’s game to congratulate Scioscia on his new contract extension and visit with several former Dodgers on the Angel coaching staff (Mickey Hatcher, Ron Roenicke, Alfredo Griffin) and on the Red Sox (Jose Offerman, Hideo Nomo). . . . The fan who ran onto the field and disrobed in the eighth inning Monday night was arrested for trespassing and indecent exposure. A video capturing the act was sent to the Anaheim city attorney’s office, and criminal charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

RAMON ORTIZ

(11-7, 4.14 ERA)

vs.

RED SOX’S

TIM WAKEFIELD

(8-8, 3.57 ERA)

Edison Field, 7

TV--Fox Sports Net. Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Update--Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez is sitting out the series because of a strained right hamstring suffered Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra did not start Tuesday night. Since returning from a wrist injury on July 29, the Red Sox have given Garciaparra a game off after playing three consecutive games. Angel left fielder Garret Anderson has a .385 average (15 for 39) with five homers and 14 runs batted in against Wakefield, the Red Sox knuckleballer.

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.