A.L. (Baseball).

Anaheim Angels

www.sportingnews.com/baseball/teams/angels

28-18 2nd in West

BOUNCING BACK: Since returning from a concussion suffered in mid-April, CF Darrin Erstad was hitting .347 and had raised his season average to .307. Erstad says the turnaround is simply coincidence, that he didn't "see the light" after getting knocked woozy. His swing looks more like the 2000 version, when he hit .355, but Erstad doesn't like to compare current performances with those of the past. Erstad is batting No. 2 in the order now instead of in the leadoff spot, as he did in 2000. He'll be asked to sacrifice on occasion and doesn't mind because the Angels have focused on situational hitting. A 10-game hitting streak was snapped last week when he sacrificed in his final at-bat, going hitless for the game.... RF Tim Salmon's slow-healing shoulder injury led to the worst season of his career in 2001. But he's showing signs that he's breaking out of it. At 33, Salmon is a step slower and can be fooled at the plate, but he still has enough power to change a game with one swing of the bat. Having been dropped to No. 6 in the order, Salmon can relax a little.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Last season C Bengie Molina threw out only 24 percent (19-of-79) of the baserunners who tried to steal. So Molina worked extensively with manager Mike Scioscia, a former major league catcher, on his throwing mechanics during spring training. Molina focused on shortening up his footwork and his arm action when he makes throws. That work has paid off well this season. Molina leads American League catchers in throwing out would-be basestealers at 52 percent (14-of-27).--Joe Haakenson

BURNING ISSUE

RHP Ramon Ortiz has gotten the ball up and given up seven homers in two starts. He leads the majors in home runs allowed with 16 but says his mechanics ere fine. The problems he has with location come mostly early in games.