Angels Fall to Seattle, Moyer

One of the primary issues confronting the Angels as they attempt to reinvent themselves for 2004 is whether to make utilityman Chone Figgins the everyday center fielder.

Figgins complicated the matter Monday by making a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch on one play but failing to come up with two other catches during the Seattle Mariners’ 5-1 victory over the Angels before 35,537 at Edison Field.

Figgins robbed John Olerud of an extra-base hit in the first inning when he quickly retreated to glove a deep fly just in front of the center-field wall. The outfielder wasn’t as fortunate in the fifth, when he couldn’t catch a Randy Winn drive that turned into a two-run, inside-the-park homer, or in the sixth, when he fell down after missing a Bret Boone shot that went for a triple.

“They’re plays that center fielders make, and I feel if I want to continue out there, I have to make them,” Figgins said.

Luckily for Figgins, his misadventures in the outfield didn’t cost the Angels the game. Seattle starter Jamie Moyer (20-7) pitched a six-hitter to become the first Mariner to win 20 games in more than one season. The 40-year-old left-hander also won 20 games in 2001.

Moyer lost his shutout in the ninth when third baseman Willie Bloomquist sailed a throw over the head of first baseman John Olerud and into the Seattle dugout, allowing Figgins to score from second base.

The Mariners still cling to faint playoff hopes, trailing Oakland by four games in the American League West and Boston by 2 1/2 games in the wild-card standings.

Angel starter Jarrod Washburn experienced irritation in a tendon within his right ankle from the first pitch and had to leave after three innings. The left-hander, who allowed five hits and three runs, said he rolled his ankle during his last start but did not anticipate any problems until taking the mound and experiencing discomfort when his foot landed.

Washburn (10-15) said he did not know whether he would be able to start the Angels’ season finale Sunday against the Texas Rangers.

General Manager Bill Stoneman said the Angels like what they have seen of Figgins in center field, where he has made 35 starts this season.

“Right now, it’s looking pretty good for him,” Stoneman said.

Figgins said he decided last weekend to play winter ball in Puerto Rico to sharpen his skills at the position. “I really think most of these balls, I can catch,” Figgins said. “That’s something I have to keep working on.”