Hill Harbors ‘Bit of Doubt’ About Role

The Angels are so confident Glenallen Hill will provide consistent power and production from the designated hitter spot that they released potential Hall of Famer Jose Canseco to make room for him.

It might surprise the Angels that Hill, acquired from the New York Yankees for minor league outfielder Darren Blakely Wednesday, may not share the same confidence.

“Most athletes wouldn’t admit this, but there is a little bit of doubt,” said Hill, who arrived in camp Thursday but did not dress for a 7-5 exhibition loss to the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. “It’s that feeling of not knowing what’s behind door No. 2.

“I don’t doubt my ability, but when you’re a part-time player, you learn how to get yourself fired up to play for short periods of time--you learn how to adjust to that. Now I have to gear myself up to play every day. It will be a good test.”

Not since 1998, when he played left field for Seattle, has Hill been an everyday player. He was a reserve outfielder for the Chicago Cubs in 1999 and the first half of 2000 before being traded to the Yankees, for whom he hit .333 with 16 homers and 29 RBIs in only 40 games last season.

But with the defending World Series champions stocked with outfield and designated hitter candidates, Hill knew from the first day of spring training he’d be traded.

“It was horrible going through the spring knowing that,” Hill, 36, said. “I wondered what I was doing there. It wasn’t because they didn’t want me. There was no room for me.”

There will be plenty of at-bats in Anaheim, as long as Hill’s knees hold up. He’s had four surgeries on his right knee and one on his left knee and wears a bulky brace on his right knee when he plays.

“There’s no structural damage, but I don’t have any cartilage left in there,” Hill said. “I’ve learned how to play with it, though.”

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Darin Erstad had three hits, including two doubles, and Troy Glaus had two hits and three RBIs Thursday. Opening-day starter Scott Schoeneweis gave up six runs and seven hits in five innings. . . . Catcher Bengie Molina sat out his second consecutive game while he recovered from an inflamed foot and some dental work, and first baseman Wally Joyner sat out the game because of lower-back stiffness, but both are expected back when the Angels play the Diamondbacks in Bank One Ballpark tonight. . . . Utility infielder David Lamb was released, reducing the Angel roster to 31 players. Manager Mike Scioscia said he’ll make final cuts Sunday in Anaheim. . . . Jarrod Washburn, recovering from strep throat, threw 31 pitches in two innings of a minor league game.