AMERICAN LEAGUE.(Statistical Data Included)

Anaheim 14-16: 2nd

Molina's injury thrusts Fabregas into starting role

C Bengie Molina will be out for at least three weeks and probably more because of a strained right hamstring. Jorge Fabregas, who takes over behind the plate, is a solid defensive catcher. But he doesn't know the team's pitchers as well as Molina, who has a stronger presence behind the plate. Offensively, Molina is a better clutch hitter and a much tougher out than Fabregas.... The Angels appear increasingly comfortable with rookie David Eckstein at shortstop. They are intrigued by the possibility he could emerge as an everyday player and fill the all-important leadoff spot. In a lineup that included Eckstein and Benji Gil last Friday night, Eckstein stated at shortstop and Gil at DH.

SCOUTING REPORT: 3B Troy Glaus has drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt because of his power. He has a natural uppercut and gains tremendous leverage from his 6-5, 245-pound frame, and that allows him to hit with power to all fields. He strikes out a lot, but he still might be the Angels' most disciplined and patient hitter, walking 112 times in 2000 and 16 times this season. Though he led the American League with 33 errors last season, Glaus is actually one of the better defensive third basemen in the league because his range allows him to get to balls that others can't reach, and his strong arm allows him to play deeper than most.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: CF Darin Erstad's lower back spasms have begun to subside, and his strained right knee is feeling better, but his swing is suffering from general malaise. Erstad, a lefthanded hitter, made several adjustments in an attempt to compensate for his injuries, and it threw off his timing. When he's hitting well, Erstad's hands and hips fire simultaneously. Because of the injury to his plant leg, Erstad has been opening his hips toward first base too early. That has prevented him from driving outside pitches toward left field, which is usually a strength. --Mike DiGiovanna

Dugout Signals

Manager Mike Scioscia has given Shawn Wooten, a converted catcher/third baseman, 10 starts at first base this season. All of his starts have been against lefthanded pitchers, and Wooten has responded by hitting .406 with three homers and seven RBIs in 32 at-bats.