McPherson May Be Out at Third

Dallas McPherson took a load off this winter, shedding 15 pounds from his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame in order to ease the stress on his surgically repaired hip and improve his agility at third base “or wherever I might play,” McPherson said, with a hint of sarcasm.

McPherson, 25, knows those pounds weren’t the only thing he lost this winter; he also lost the third-base job when Darin Erstad’s move from first base to center field pushed utility player and leadoff batter Chone Figgins to third.

And now, one spring after the Angels let proven slugger Troy Glaus go to clear room for this power prodigy, McPherson, who hit 40 minor league home runs in 2004, could find himself scrambling for at-bats.

“I’ve got to win a job, but that’s fine with me,” said McPherson, who reported to camp early after missing most of 2005 because of injury. “As long as I’m healthy, I’ll compete with anyone. That’s my No. 1 goal, to be healthy.”

Goal No. 2 is to muscle his way into the lineup at least three or four times a week, which might be difficult considering Juan Rivera is expected to be the team’s primary designated hitter, and left fielder Garret Anderson probably will spend time at DH.

McPherson’s playing time could hinge on the health of others: If Anderson avoids injury and plays mostly outfield, McPherson could platoon with Rivera at DH. If injuries force Figgins back into a utility role, McPherson could play more third base.

“We know Figgins will be in the lineup every day, but there’s still at-bats to be had,” McPherson said. “If I’m producing, I’ll play. If not, I’ll be on the bench or at triple A.”

Manager Mike Scioscia said McPherson will take some grounders at first base in camp in order to increase his versatility, but if McPherson crushes the ball all spring, he could force the Angels to find him a spot.

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Francisco Rodriguez’s trip from Venezuela to the U.S. has been delayed by visa problems, and the Angel closer, who recently accompanied an aunt to Cuba so she could undergo surgery, won’t be in camp until Thursday at the earliest.

Paul Kinzer, Rodriguez’s agent, said Rodriguez spent all day Friday and parts of Thursday and Wednesday at the U.S. consulate in Caracas but was unable to procure a travel visa. The consulate is closed Monday because of a holiday. If Rodriguez gets the visa Tuesday, he’ll travel to Phoenix on Wednesday.

Rodriguez won’t spend much time in Angel camp. In early March, he’ll leave to join the Venezuelan team for the World Baseball Classic.

“He pitched winter ball, so he should be close to where he needs to be,” Scioscia said.

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Scioscia said he would carry two catchers -- Jose Molina and Jeff Mathis -- instead of three, which improves veteran outfielder Tim Salmon’s chances of making the team. ... Individual tickets for regular-season games will go on sale March 4, at 9 a.m. at the Angel Stadium box office, all TicketMaster ticket centers, by phone through TicketMaster at (714) 663-9000 and through the Internet at www.angelsbaseball.com.