Moore, Angels Fail in Contract Talks Despite Autry’s Presence at Session

Donnie Moore, free agent California relief pitcher, and Gene Autry, owner of the Angels, met for two hours Tuesday, but failed to reach a contract agreement.

Moore, who will be 31 years old next month, had an 8-8 record with a 1.92 earned-run average in 65 games for the Angels last season, his first with the team. In 103 innings, the hard-throwing right-hander walked only 21 and struck out 72.

A spokeswoman said there was no word as to whether negotiations between Moore and the Angels are completed or whether they would continue.

According to baseball rules, if Moore doesn’t sign a contract with the team before midnight tonight, he can’t negotiate or sign with the team until May 1.

With the exception of one five-minute phone call last month to David Pinter, one of Moore’s agents, Tuesday’s meeting in the Angels’ Anaheim offices was Autry’s first active participation in the Moore negotiations.

“I’ll be very shocked if we don’t have a signature (Tuesday),” Pinter had said Monday. “Now that Gene Autry’s involved, I’m very optimistic.”

However, at least through Tuesday, Pinter’s optimism was premature. Pinter had requested Autry’s presence at Tuesday’s session, wanting to make his case to the owner.

“He’s the boss, he’s the one guy who can say yes or no,” Pinter said before Tuesday’s session.