Dickson Shows Collins His Stuff

The battle for the fifth spot in the starting rotation--one of few real competitions in camp--began Friday when Jason Dickson pitched two scoreless innings in the Angels’ 12-2 exhibition season-opening loss to the Oakland Athletics.

“I liked his outing,” Manager Terry Collins said of the 24-year-old right-hander. “When he gets behind on the count he can throw a lot of different pitches and change speeds.”

Dickson, who gave up two hits and struck out two, will battle Jim Abbott, Shigetoshi Hasegawa and knuckleballer Dennis Springer for the final rotation spot.

“I think we have the answer in this camp,” Collins said. “One of those guys will be able to get it done for us.”

Dickson’s performance was one of few bright spots for the Angels on a chilly, rainy afternoon in Tempe Diablo Stadium. Relievers Jeff Schmidt and Pete Janicki each gave up five runs, and Greg Gohr gave up two runs.

Oakland reserve Patrick Lennon, a 1986 first-round pick of the Seattle Mariners who was thought to have no chance of making the team, had three home runs and six RBIs to pace the A’s.

“Nothing like a warm Cactus League opener,” Collins said. “I don’t know what the temperature was, but when it started raining, it got cold.”

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Tim Salmon’s forearms were so sore Friday he could barely make a fist in each hand, so playing against the A’s was out of the question.

“Everyone says it’s because I’ve had too many papers to sign,” joked Salmon, who agreed to terms on a four-year, $22.5-million contract extension Wednesday. “But I haven’t even signed anything yet.”

Salmon tried throwing and couldn’t grip the ball. He tried swinging but the bat flew out of his hands. He’ll likely sit out today’s game but hopes to return to the lineup Sunday.

“My forearms are just barking,” said Salmon, who received extensive treatment on his arms Friday. “It’s like I just did a major set of wrist curls and I’m pumped.”

Angel athletic trainer Ned Bergert said Salmon probably took too many swings this week. “He’ll be fine,” Bergert said.

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First baseman Darin Erstad was tested early Friday when the first batter of the game, Alex Cole, drilled a grounder right at him. Erstad fielded it cleanly for the out. “I’m definitely feeling more comfortable there,” said Erstad, who is moving from the outfield to the infield. “I saw the ball off the bat pretty well. I’m sure there will be times when I look stupid, but I just have to stay confident.” . . . The Angels had only six hits Friday, two of them and an RBI by Garret Anderson. . . . Mark Langston is scheduled to start against the San Francisco Giants in Scottsdale today and will be followed on the mound by Hasegawa, Springer, Robert Ellis and Chuck McElroy.