BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Lachemann Not Ready to Talk Playoffs

Chicago newspapers referred to the Angels as “playoff bound.” A cable highlight show called them a “playoff lock.”

Phyllis Merhige, American League vice president of media operations, visited Anaheim Stadium on Monday to check on news conference facilities for postseason play. The Angels also have the go-ahead to print playoff tickets.

Despite all the attention focused on the Angels recently, Manager Marcel Lachemann refuses to look ahead.

“It’s nice to have a lead,” he said. “But you definitely can’t take anything for granted. . . . If we play well and play the way we’re supposed to play, that’s all you can ask. The [disappointing] thing is if you don’t play well.”

Lachemann’s attitude is common in the clubhouse.

Rex Hudler asked a reporter which teams would have the home-field advantage in the first-round of the playoffs. But before an explanation could be given, Hudler said, “No, no. On second thought, I don’t want to know. I don’t want to get that far ahead.”

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Shawn Boskie pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up two runs and four hits with three strikeouts and two walks, in his second rehabilitation start at Class A Lake Elsinore on Tuesday night.

Boskie has been on the disabled list because of tendinitis in his right elbow since July 16.