Impressive Performance for Belcher

Tim Belcher was so sluggish Monday he said he felt he was “running uphill against the wind in a foot of water.” He still made quite a splash.

The right-hander cruised through four hitless innings before giving up three unearned runs in the fifth during an 8-5 exhibition victory over San Diego in Tempe, Ariz. Belcher went 5 2/3 innings, gave up five hits, walked three and struck out none in an 88-pitch stint.

“Spring training is a a never-ending schedule of day-time workouts and games, and you get to a point where you feel a little tired,” said Belcher, 37. “When I feel that way, I try to slow down, keep my mind sharp and hit spots. It’s gratifying knowing you did pretty well without your best stuff.”

This is why the Angels signed Belcher to a two-year, $10.2-million contract this winter. Belcher will win when he’s on, but he’ll also find a way to grind out a victory on nights he’s not feeling up to par.

“Watch his expressions, even in a spring training game,” Manager Terry Collins said. “He went 3-0 on a guy today and got so mad he looked like he wanted to slit his wrists. That’s why we got him.”

It’s also one reason Belcher will start opening day against the Cleveland Indians April 6 in Edison Field. With Chuck Finley’s progress slowed by upper back spasms, Collins said Belcher will start the first game, and Finley will be pushed to the back of the rotation.

*

The Angels, concerned about the lack of a late-inning defensive replacement behind the plate, are considering recalling catcher Fausto Tejero from the minor league camp to compete with Phil Nevin for a backup job.

With Matt Walbeck sidelined with a broken bone in his hand, Charlie O’Brien will open the season as the primary catcher, but O’Brien will likely give way to pinch hitters and pinch runners late in close games.

That would leave Todd Greene, who is still recovering from shoulder problems, and Nevin, a converted infielder with one year of catching experience, as likely defensive replacements.

Tejero, 30, has played nine minor league seasons, including the last two with Atlanta’s triple-A team in Richmond, Va., and he has impressed Angel coaches with his defensive skills.

Reserve outfielder Orlando Palmeiro also appears to have locked up a roster spot. Palmeiro, who is hitting .345 this spring, can play all three outfield spots extremely well, and he proved valuable as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner last season.

He is out of options, meaning if he doesn’t make the team, he would have to clear waivers--where other teams could claim him--before being sent to the minor leagues.

*

Nevin had four hits, all singles, and three RBIs Monday, and Mo Vaughn and Troy Glaus each had two hits and an RBI. Reliever Mike Magnante continued to enhance his chances of making the team with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and Mike Holtz added a scoreless inning. . . . Greene is scheduled to catch six innings today against Arizona.