Bootcheck tries to navigate obstacle course

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Chris Bootcheck is burdened by perspective: he knows he has the talent to pitch in the Majors, but the talent in front of him virtually blocks his advancement.

It's a situation that could force many to seek another line of employment, but the tall Angels right-hander would entertain the thought as easily as severing his foot. Instead of lamenting the fact he is forced to distinguish himself in a pitching-rich organization, he accepts the challenge of trying to reach the Majors.

"I try not to think about it," Bootcheck said. "Obviously, everyone wants to make this team and obviously, that can't happen. They have a lot of talent here. At the end of the spring, they will have to make some decisions."

The clock is also ticking for Bootcheck, a first-round draft choice of the Angels in 2000 out of Auburn University. This will be his sixth season in the organization and he has one option year remaining. If the Angels do not offer him a new contract at the end of the season, he will become a Minor League free agent.

That makes 2006 something of a make-or-break year for Bootcheck and, if it were up to him, he'd prefer that it be with the Angels.

"The competition is going to make everybody better," said Bootcheck, who did not allow a run in his lone two-inning outing this spring. "If in six weeks they decide to keep me around, it means six months of doing the same. To do it against the talent that is here, that would feel like an accomplishment."

And those aren't simply the words from someone who is searching for the right thing to say.

Major League jobs are scarce in Angels camp, especially on the pitching staff. Unless John Lackey's right shoulder continues to give him problems throughout the spring, the rotation is settled, with Bartolo Colon, Kelvim Escobar, Ervin Santana and Jeff Weaver also included in the starting five.

Bullpen jobs are also relatively non-existent. With the Angels likely to carry 11 pitchers on the roster, there is one slot remaining, with right-handers Esteban Yan, Kevin Gregg and Jason Bulger being the leading candidates.

Bootcheck can't look at the numbers, though, nor can he try to figure out the depth chart or even make an educated guess about whether his chances of making the Angels are realistic.

He is fully aware that he must concentrate on improving as a starting pitcher and let the details sort themselves out. Bootcheck said he's moved past the simple mechanics of pitching a baseball and working on the total execution of his craft during a game.

"I'm at the point now where I'm pitching in sequences; I'm pitching in sequences of two and sequences of three," Bootcheck said. "It is not about my mechanics and it is not about my stuff. It is about competing."

The 27-year-old has shown the competitive edge. He allowed one run over six innings at Yankee Stadium last July 31 in a game that saw Randy Johnson surrender six runs. But a week later, Bootcheck allowed six runs on 10 hits to the Devil Rays and didn't pitch again for the Angels in 2005.

Pitching coach Bud Black said he does not question whether Bootcheck will land a spot in the Major Leagues. He's just not sure when and he's not sure where.

"He has to continue to get over the little hurdles that are going to make him a big-league pitcher," said Black, who hopes Bootcheck ultimately succeeds in an Angels uniform. "In his case, it is realizing the importance of location and trusting his sinker in the strike zone."

Bootcheck works in the high 80s to low 90s with a repertoire that features a fastball, slider and cutter. He has stayed healthy throughout his five years as a pro by virtue of a fundamentally sound delivery, Black said, which allows him to work on pitches rather than adjust his mechanics.

His manager would agree.

"Some guys need opportunities. He has worked very hard with his stuff and feels very confident with it," Mike Scioscia said. "He is at a point now where he understands the importance of location and consistency. He has made great strides."

Bootcheck has compiled a 49-39 record over 126 Minor League games, including 123 starts. That dwarves his 0-2 big-league mark that covers nine games and three starts, but he has a plan, albeit simple, of how to add to the Major League totals.

"I have to just go out and pitch like I know I can," Bootcheck said. "It is a great team and it would be great to be a part of it."