Expect Sconiers Monday, Attorney Tells Angels

Angel General Manager Mike Port, citing the continued efforts of attorney Nick Lampros, who represents Daryl Sconiers, said Saturday that he was optimistic that the absent Sconiers would report Monday to the club’s Mesa training base.

Sconiers has been absent 16 days and fined $3,920, based on $245 a day.

The scenario began when Sconiers called the Angel complex Feb. 28, the day before the full squad was scheduled to arrive, and asked for permission to report March 2.

Port instructed secretary Leslie Wilson to tell Sconiers he could report whenever he wanted but that the meter would be running.

That was the last contact the Angels had with Sconiers, whose absence also confounded the San Jose-based Lampros, who insisted from the start that he, too, had been unable to reach Sconiers.

The situation apparently changed Friday.

Lampros informed Port late that afternoon that he had made contact with Sconiers and was confident he could have the first baseman in camp Monday.

“I told Nick that I didn’t want to know anything more about the situation until I had talked personally to Daryl on Monday,” Port said. “The only thing I ascertained is that physically Daryl is fine.”

In a prepared statement given to the press, Port said he did not know where Sconiers was or the precise problem that has delayed his arrival. He said that assuming Sconiers does report on Monday, he would then seek an explanation and encourage Sconiers to provide the media with one.

Port said he could not predict how Sconiers’ late arrival would affect the player’s status with the team because he did not know what shape Sconiers was in or if he had been working out.

Sconiers, 26, who missed most of the first half of last season with a herniated disc, figured to see service again as a designated hitter, pinch-hitter and backup first baseman--that is, if he’s not packaged in a trade for pitching.

“Considering what’s gone on,” Port said, “I’ll believe Daryl will be there when I see him. I’m relying on Nick’s sincerity and credibility. I feel that if his hand’s in it, the job will get done. I’m more optimistic than I’ve been.”

Lampros could not be reached Saturday.

Angel players seemed to feel that Sconiers must have a justifiable reason for his mysterious absence.

Said center fielder Gary Pettis, a close friend of Sconiers’:

“I think that as long as he tells the right people what happened, he doesn’t have to tell us. As long as he’s healthy, I’m not concerned. I mean, I’m sure we’ve all wanted him here because he can help the team. It was just an inopportune time for whatever happened to have happened. No one would have said anything if it had been three months ago.”

Said relief pitcher Doug Corbett: “I think you’ll have to wait until Monday to see what the reaction is. I’m assuming he’s innocent until guilty, and I’m sure we’re all hoping he’s fine, that he walks in hitting line drives.”

Added second baseman Rob Wilfong: “We’re all a little curious, but the man may have had some overwhelming personal problems. It’s really none of my business.”