American League : Arrival of Jack Howell Fuels Speculation About Angel Infield in 1986

Although the spotlight remains on the Angels’ 1985 pennant bid, there is no way to stop speculation about 1986.

The Angels innocently fueled it via Monday’s recall of third baseman Jack Howell, who had been leading the Pacific Coast League in hitting at .373 and reeled off six hits in his first 13 at-bats, including a two-run homer in his first game.

Howell celebrates his 24th birthday today. He’s in only his third professional season. It’s too early to predict that he’s here to stay, but the thought is intriguing.

If Howell plays third base next year, where does that leave Doug DeCinces, who will be 35 on Aug. 29 and is signed through 1986?

There has been unofficial talk that DeCinces could be moved to first base, which would open a spot for Howell and remove some pressure off DeCinces’ delicate back.

But what would that mean for Rod Carew, whose contract expires this year, and for Bobby Grich, whose contract expires and has been thought of as a part-time first baseman--if he is re-signed?

All of this is new to the Angels. They have seldom been in the position of having such options.

The situation was seen developing in spring training when the veterans became cognizant of the sudden array of promising young players and predicted it would create some intensity. The names that became familiar in March have gone on to enhance their credentials.

Howell is one. Mark McLemore is another. The future second baseman is batting .365 at Double-A Midland. The Angels’ interest in Bert Blyleven broke down when the Cleveland Indians insisted that McLemore be included in the deal.

There’s also Wally Joyner, the stylish first baseman who would also be affected by a DeCinces move. Joyner got off slowly at Triple-A Edmonton. He was batting .198 on May 15 and .220 on June 1. He’s now at .279 and will be among several players recalled Sept. 1 when the 25-player roster limit comes off.

There’s also outfielder Devon White, who is said to be the defensive equal of Gary Pettis. White was hitting .297 with 39 steals at Midland when elevated to Edmonton, where he’s hitting .257 in 210 at-bats and has stolen 17 more bases.

How long until White and Pettis play in the same outfield?

How long until the Angels field a home-grown infield of Joyner, McLemore, Dick Schofield and Howell?

Intriguing, indeed.

Add Carew: There seems to be no question that the 39-year-old batsmith is interested in and capable of playing one more year.

In the wake of his 3,000th hit, he said: “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I don’t want to stop at 3,000.”

A smart wager might be that Carew is going back to Minnesota in 1986.

Harmon Killebrew, still associated with the Twins as a TV analyst, has been saying privately that the organization wants Carew to end his career in the city in which he started and laterwork in the front office.

Carew, in turn, still seems at home in the Twin Cities. More so, in fact, than in Anaheim. It is as if he recognizes he is among friends who appreciate him for what he is and has done than for what he isn’t and hasn’t.

In last week’s visit there, for example, Carew embraced a number of acquaintances who congratulated him on his 3,000 hits or simply inquired about his health. He also received a standing ovation almost every day. The reception was the same no matter if he was participating in a pregame ceremony, being introduced in the starting lineup or appearing as a pinch-hitter.

The Twins will not move Kent Hrbek off first base, but there’s always the designated hitter role or the dual role of DH and batting instructor. It may not happen, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Rod and hiswife, Marilynn, prove you can go home again.

How will Steve Howe do in Minnesota? New teammate Roy Smalley, who was reared in California and has played in Chicago and New York, predicted that Howe will respond to a more relaxed life style.

“It’s hard to characterize it except to say that it’s not as intense,” Smalley told the Minneapolis Star and Tribune. “The life style’s not as intense, the people aren’t as intense. It’s not as much of a life-or-death feeling whether you win or lose a ballgame. It seems to me like things are in better perspective here. The Midwestern perspective in all phases of life is a little bit truer than the East or West Coast perspective.”

Has any team a better nucleus of young hitters than the Seattle Mariners? Mauch, for one, doubts it. He belives that Jim Presley, Phil Bradley and Alvin Davis will have distinguished careers. He remains particularly impressed by Davis, of whom he said:

“I’m not putting him in Billy Williams’ class yet, but he has the closest things to Billy Williams’ hands that I’ve ever seen.”

Quick? Faster, Mauch implied.

The Toronto Blue Jays epitomize the theory that good teams beat the teams they should. The Blue Jays are 9-3 against the Texas Rangers, 10-2 against Seattle and 7-1 against Cleveland.

Boston Red Sox left-hander Bruce Hurst was 12-12 last season, a hard-luck pitcher who received minimal support. Hurst is 8-9 this season. Five of his wins have been by scores of 16-3, 14-5, 12-3, 10-1 and 9-0.

Omen Dept.: The Kansas City Royals have won six Western Division titles since 1976. Only once did the Royals lead at the All-Star break.

Last year, in fact, the second-half Royals were still eight back on July 18, their biggest deficit. This year’s biggest deficit was 7 1/2 games. On July 18.