Uncertain Times for Scouting Boss

The contract of Angel scouting director Donny Rowland expires after the season, with scouts concerned about an uncertain future for their department. While General Manager Bill Stoneman and Manager Mike Scioscia last month received contract extensions through 2007, there have been no negotiations on a new deal for Rowland.

The Angels’ wave of injuries has exposed a minor league system with a scarcity of talent at the upper levels. Minor league journeymen Trent Durrington and Adam Riggs are the latest of 12 players promoted to the majors this season. None of those 12 was drafted by Rowland.

Stoneman hired Rowland before the 2000 season, and the two have revitalized the lower levels of the farm system. Rowland’s 2001 draft, which included catcher Jeff Mathis and infielders Casey Kotchman and Dallas McPherson, has been acclaimed throughout the industry.

None of the 203 players drafted by Rowland has reached the majors, and only two -- pitchers Chris Bootcheck and Matt Hensley -- have advanced to triple-A. His No. 1 picks before this year -- Kotchman and pitchers Joe Saunders and Joe Torres -- all have been hit by injuries, and none has advanced past Class A.

Rowland declined to comment. Stoneman said he would not address Rowland’s status and would speak only generally.

“You’re measured by your results in scouting,” Stoneman said. “The results aren’t immediate. It takes a while to make an assessment.

“We’ve got some decent players in the system.”

*

The chance to be an everyday player with the Angels might have passed Shawn Wooten by. With first baseman Scott Speizio moved to third base to replace the injured Troy Glaus, Wooten finds himself in what Scioscia called “part of the mix” with rookie Robb Quinlan and Riggs, a 10-year minor league veteran.

Wooten, eligible for salary arbitration for the first time this winter, went six for 14 in four consecutive starts at first base last month. Since then, he has started three of 24 games at first base.

*

The Angels might add a third television affiliate next season, one that could air games beyond the 90 that Channel 9 and Fox Sports Net have committed to carry, director of broadcasting Jay Lucas said.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Detroit Tigers, four games.

Site -- Comerica Park, Detroit.

TV -- Fox Sports Net Sunday.

Radio -- KSPN (710) all games; KWKU (1220) tonight and Friday; XKAM (950) Saturday and Sunday.

Records -- Angels 60-67, Tigers 31-94.

Record vs. Tigers -- 3-0.

Tonight, 4 -- Aaron Sele (6-9, 5.22) vs. Shane Loux (0-0, 7.20).

Friday, 4 p.m. PDT -- Ramon Ortiz (14-10, 4.71) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (6-16, 5.22).

Saturday, 10 a.m. PDT -- Jarrod Washburn (9-12, 4.28) vs. Nate Robertson (0-0, 2.16).

Sunday, 10 a.m. PDT -- Scot Shields (3-4, 2.28) vs. Mike Maroth (6-18, 5.25).