As Expected, Beniquez Becomes Fifth Angel to File for Free Agency

Juan Beniquez, described by his agent as “a late bloomer,” proved true to form in what might be his final act as an Angel, officially filing for free agency Thursday, just three days before Monday’s deadline.

“Nobody here is surprised,” said one Angel official. “The only thing that’s surprising is that he didn’t file sooner.”

Contract negotiations between Beniquez and the Angels have been at an impasse for months, the hitch being Beniquez’s demand for a long-term contract. The Angels are offering one year, plus an option year. Beniquez and his agent, Ray Negron, are seeking two years--at the minimum--plus an option year.

“As far as the money goes, we’re pretty close,” Negron said. Beniquez, 35, the Angels’ leading hitter in each of the past two seasons, earned $365,000 in 1985 and is looking for a two-year package worth $1.2 million.

“Juan was making $365,000 with no incentives. The Angels made out big-time with him,” Negron said. “I don’t think we’re ripping anybody off with what we’re asking. But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I couldn’t get Juan at least two years.

“Juan will be 36 next year. With a one-year contract, he’d be 37 when it expired. That would be putting the rope around his own neck. A two- or three-year deal is due him. He should be set up for the rest of his (career).”

Beniquez batted .304 in 132 games during the 1985 season, splitting time between the outfield and first base. The Angels are considering moving Doug DeCinces to first base, thus opening third base for prospect Jack Howell, and are high on young outfielders Darrell Miller and Devon White.

“I understand the Angels’ thinking,” Negron said. “They’re high on Jack Howell and maybe Devon White will be ready by 1987. ‘Why not sign Juan Beniquez for one year until he’s ready?’ They’re looking for insurance, but, we’re not going to be the insurance policy.”

Negron said he will continue to talk with Angel General Manager Mike Port.

“We hoping we can stay here,” he said. “That’s why we took so long to file. We waited as long as we could.”

Negron said he has drawn up a list of nine other ballclubs Beniquez is interested in. High on that list are the Angels’ chief Western Division rivals, the Kansas City Royals.

“We have definite interest in Kansas City,” Negron said. “They need a right fielder and if they don’t go after Kirk Gibson, Juan has to be the best outfielder on the list. He still has a good arm and on that AstroTurf, he could play two or three more years.”

Other teams include the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, Beniquez’s first major league team. Beniquez broke in with the Red Sox in 1974.

“Boston depends on what they do with (Tony) Armas,” Negron said. “If they move him, that would open a spot for an outfielder.

“New York? I’m a little afraid of the Yankees. They need a right-handed hitter to platoon at left field, but they’ve shown no patience (with players). Suppose Juan gets off to a slow start.

“We want Juan to go somewhere where he’s going to play every day.”

Beniquez, currently playing winter baseball in Puerto Rico, is the fifth Angel to file for free agency, joining first baseman Rod Carew and pitchers Donnie Moore, Don Sutton and Al Holland. Negron said he would begin negotiations with other teams by the middle of next week.