Spring Training / Angels : Dusty Baker Is Starting to Feel Unappreciated Again

Dusty Baker played in a B-team game against the Angels at the San Francisco Giants’ minor league complex Wednesday morning, then sat on the bench as the Giants routed the Angels, 11-2, in the A game at Scottsdale Stadium.

That is characteristic of Baker’s role with the Giants now. He’s the infrequently seen fourth outfielder behind left fielder Jeff Leonard, who hit .302 with 21 homers with 86 runs batted in last year; center fielder Chili Davis, who hit .315 with 21 homers and 81 RBIs, and right fielder Dan Gladden, who hit .351 in 86 games after his recall from Phoenix.

Baker implied recently that he couldn’t accept the reserve role and that he would probably ask to be traded.

Asked Wednesday if he had talked to management, the former Dodger said:

“Not yet. I’m sure you understand the meaning of words like yet. “

He also said:

“Jeff Leonard and Chili Davis had their best years, and Dan Gladden came in and had an outstanding year, too. Here’s a club with one of the best outfields in the world and the two best left fielders (Leonard and himself) in the National League.

“I don’t know what they’re going to do, but I do know that I’ll be prepared to play championship baseball and that whoever I’m with, wherever I am, that team will have a better chance to win.

“I guess I’d have to say that if I am on the (trading) block it may be best for everyone.”

Said Jim Davenport, the new manager of the Giants: “I’d like to keep Dusty if he’ll accept the role. I think he’ll get chances to play and can help us. I’ll try to explain it to him, but he’s going to have to understand that this is the way it is. If he can’t accept it, then I’ll have to go to Tom (Haller, the general manager).”

Baker, 35, hit .292 with 3 homers and 32 RBIs in 100 games after joining the Giants last April 1. His celebrated release and ensuing salary dispute with the Dodgers forced him to go without spring training.

Baker said it was among his toughest seasons and blames the Dodgers, saying that if they were going to settle April 1, they could have settled several weeks earlier.

He also said there were innuendos made during that period.

“There were things said and implied that hurt my value and reputation in the game,” he said. “People tend to believe the garbage, but I’ll leave the wrath to God.

“This is the best I’ve felt physically in four or five years. I know there are good things still waiting for me.”

The Angels said Wednesday that first baseman Daryl Sconiers, responding to Dr. Gerald Rozansky’s recommendation, will enter Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood to complete an evaluation for the “substance problem” Sconiers believes to be under control. The evaluation is expected to take about seven days.

Catcher Bob Boone, responding to the 9-to-5 workdays during which players often go without lunch, supplied each of his teammates with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich Wednesday.

Said Boone, of his sandwich making skills: “It’s all in the wrists.”