Good Thing It Didn’t Count

The Angels returned Saturday to the site of their greatest glory ... with a resounding thud.

The ring distribution, flag-raising and other giddy ceremonies associated with their World Series title would have to wait for another day or two. On Saturday, the Angels unveiled only more bad baseball, a trend that marred an otherwise feel-good edition of spring training.

It doesn’t really matter, of course, because the only games that count start this evening with the season opener against Texas. Still, the smile that constantly graced Manager Mike Scioscia’s face this spring could fade rapidly if the Angels continue to play as they did Saturday during a 6-5 loss to the Dodgers before 37,082 at Edison Field.

The Angels led, 5-2, entering the seventh inning, bolstered by home runs from Garret Anderson and Benji Gil.

Enter reliever Ryan Cummings. Exit Cummings, after surrendering four runs and three hits, including a three-run homer by Paul Lo Duca that put the Dodgers ahead, 6-5.

The Angels also committed two errors as the Dodgers swept the two-game Freeway Series. The Angels’ final spring record of 9-20 was their worst since 1997, when they went 9-21.

Scioscia said he expects third baseman Troy Glaus to play today unless he feels lingering pain in his right wrist from Saturday’s game, Glaus’ first in a week. Glaus, battling tendinitis in his wrist, went one for four with a single and two strikeouts.

Outfielder Julio Ramirez, a defensive specialist, made the final cut as the Angels finalized their 25-man roster. To make room for Ramirez, the Angels put pitcher Matt Wise, who underwent Tommy John surgery, on the 60-day disabled list.

*

ON DECK

Opponent -- Texas Rangers, three games.

Site -- Edison Field.

Today -- 5 p.m.

TV -- ESPN.

Radio -- KSPN (710), XKAM (950).

Records -- Angels 99-63 in 2002, Rangers 72-90 in 2002.

2002 record vs. Rangers -- 12-7.

*

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ JOHN LACKEY (9-4, 3.66 ERA in 2002)

vs.

RANGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (8-12, 4.18 ERA in 2002)

Update--When the Angels reached the World Series, they saddled Texas with the worst postseason pedigree among expansion franchises. The Rangers have not reached the World Series since being established as the Senators in 1961 -- the longest drought among expansion teams -- and are one of six franchises that have yet to appear in a Fall Classic. Texas is hoping a rejuvenated lineup that includes rookie third baseman Mark Teixeira can overcome suspect pitching and reverse its fortunes.

Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- Mickey Callaway (2-1, 4.19) vs. Chan Ho Park (9-8, 5.75).

Wednesday, 1 p.m. -- Ramon Ortiz (15-9, 3.77) vs. John Thomson (9-14, 4.71).

Ben Bolch