Angel Notebook : Reggie-to-Giants Is Still a Lively Rumor

Reggie Jackson to the San Francisco Giants?

That became Monday’s question, rumor, publicity stunt or story of the day--take your pick--when the Angels showed up for their exhibition game against the Giants hours after the San Francisco Chronicle published a story claiming that “serious talks” about Jackson were under way between the Giants and the Angels.

Chronicle columnist Glenn Dickey quoted San Francisco General Manager Al Rosen as saying: “I’ve been talking seriously to the Angels since they said they didn’t want Reggie coming back.”

Rosen was referring to the now-infamous New York Times interview with Jackson, in which Jackson discussed his belief that the Angels were trying to phase him out. Two months after its publication, and 10 days after Jackson and Angel General Manager Mike Port met to reach an understanding on the issue, the story’s flames are still burning brightly.

Rosen helped fan them by telling Dickey he spoke recently with Jackson’s agent, Steve Kay. “(Kay) said they wanted an extra year on the contract, and I said they could get it,” Rosen said.

Rosen also said he talked with Port “five or six days ago” and was told by Port to wait a few days. “I can’t wait until the end of spring training,” Rosen said.

Although Port denied receiving any offer from the Giants, and although Rosen met with Port during Monday’s game for little more than idle conversation, those early words were enough to stir things up.

Jackson was asked for his reaction.

“It’s nice to hear somebody’s interested in me,” he said. “I like Al Rosen and I respect him. I live in the Bay Area (Oakland). I know the ballpark is cold and the team is not where they want to be right now, but my options are limited.

“I want to play where I’m wanted. (The Angels) sure aren’t jumping up to say, ‘Hey, stay here.’ ”

Jackson, who hit .252 with 27 home runs and 85 runs batted in last year, wants to play through 1987. Monday, his contract was officially renewed for 1986, but the Angels are reluctant to offer Jackson a second-year extension.

A two-year contract is important to Jackson, who watched the Angels unceremoniously release one 40-year-old veteran, Rod Carew, last year. He reportedly is concerned about being treated in similar fashion.

Before Monday’s game between the Angels and the Giants, Rosen was still talking strongly about Jackson.

“If Mike Port comes to the park today, I guarantee I’ll talk to him about Reggie Jackson,” Rosen said. “If Reggie Jackson is available, I plan to continue talking.”

By game’s end, however, Rosen’s stance had softened considerably.

“I talked with Mike about Reggie and get the feeling they’re satisfied with the situation,” he said. “And from what I gather, Reggie seems to be happy and in great shape.”

Port, who sat in the stands with Rosen for several innings, said that Jackson’s name was mentioned but no trade was discussed.

Angel Notes

Angel pitchers Don Sutton, Doug Corbett and D.W. Smith limited the Giants to five hits but the Angels still lost, 1-0, on Dan Gladden’s third-inning sacrifice fly. Sutton allowed three hits and one earned run in three innings. Corbett pitched three hitless innings, striking out three. . . . Darrell Miller caught for the Angels and got the better end of two stolen base attempts.