Spring Training / Angels : Sconiers, Beniquez Absent From First Workout

First baseman Daryl Sconiers and outfielder Juan Beniquez missed the first workout of the Angels’ full squad Friday and will be fined an undisclosed sum for each day of their absence.

General Manager Mike Port said he had not heard from Beniquez, who lives in Puerto Rico, but that Sconiers had called Thursday and asked permission to report Sunday.

“I told him he could report whenever he wanted, but that the meter is running,” Port said.

Sconiers was sidelined for most of the first half of last season by a disk injury. He is a talented hitter who may be packaged in a possible trade for a left-handed relief pitcher--if not retained as a designated hitter and backup to Rod Carew.

Manager Gene Mauch was irritated by Sconiers’ absence.

“I like Daryl a lot, and he knows it, but he’s nuts not to be here,” Mauch said. “Why create any problems?

“I mean, in the first place he can’t afford to be throwing away $400 or $500 a day, if that’s what it is. And it isn’t like we decided yesterday to start spring training today.”

Asked if Sconiers’ absence could be interpreted as a gauge of his desire, Mauch said: “I’ve always believed that if you give players a chance, they’ll show you exactly how they feel about themselves, the team and the organization.”

Mauch was also asked Friday where he thought the Angels would finish in the American League West.

“I’m assuming that everyone will play as good as they can play,” he said, referring to his own players. “If they do, no one will beat us.”