Even Now, Race Is Heating Up in West

The Angels already have played three games, but in a critical sense the season truly starts today. The Angels play the first of 19 consecutive games against their American League West rivals, and if they play as poorly now as they did last September, the season will be a long and painful one.

The Angels lost 17 of their final 19 games last season, all against the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics. The Angels had a winning record last season against the AL Central, against the AL East and in interleague play, but their abysmal 17-41 record within the division doomed them.

No matter how improved the Angels consider themselves, no more than two playoff invitations can be extended to AL West teams.

“These are huge,” outfielder Darin Erstad said. “We have to play very good baseball right now. If we struggle in April, we’re going to be in a big hole. We’re playing confident baseball now. We’re looking forward to these games.”

The optimism is tempered somewhat by the fact that the Angels will play this weekend’s series at Texas with a 23-man roster instead of the usual 25. Infielder Scott Spiezio’s suspension extends to Saturday, with third baseman Troy Glaus serving his suspension Sunday and Monday.

And closer Troy Percival, hampered by a strained rib cage, is out at least until Monday, when doctors will determine whether the Angels should let him resume pitching or put him on the disabled list. A bone scan and MRI examination Wednesday were negative.

“When you hear ‘MRI test,’ you think the worst. It’s like a curse,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “But we only need to find an answer for the short term.”

In Percival’s absence, Scioscia indicated Al Levine, Ben Weber and Donne Wall all might get a chance to close.

*

ON DECK

Opponent--Texas Rangers, three games.

Site--The Ballpark in Arlington.

Today--Noon PST.

TV--None.

Radio--KLAC (570) today and Saturday, KPLS (830) Sunday, XPRS (1090) all three games.

Records--Angels 1-2, Rangers 1-3.

Record vs. Rangers (2001)--7-12.

TODAY

ANGELS’

SCOTT

SCHOENEWEIS

(10-11, 5.08

ERA in 2001)

vs.

RANGERS’

ISMAEL

VALDES

(9-13, 4.45

ERA in 2001)

Update--The Rangers had the worst earned-run average in the majors last season, so they signed Chan Ho Park, the former Dodger who became a free agent, for $65 million and started the season with a new bullpen. But the Rangers gave up 17 runs in losses Tuesday and Wednesday, put Park on the disabled list Thursday because of a strained hamstring and will start Montreal castoff Hideki Irabu in his place Saturday. Angel reliever Dennis Cook pitched at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday night as part of his rehabilitation, giving up three earned runs and two home runs in two-thirds of an inning against High Desert. He is expected to join the Angels in Texas today.

Saturday, 5 p.m PST: Ramon Ortiz (13-11, 4.36 ERA in 2001) vs. Hideki Irabu (0-2, 4.86 ERA in 2001).

Sunday, noon PDT: Jarrod Washburn (0-1, 9.00 ERA) vs. Kenny Rogers (0-0, 3.60 ERA).