Angels Can’t Sign Own Free Agents, but They Sign Former Dodger Fimple

The Angels signed a free agent Wednesday, but it wasn’t Bob Boone, Doug DeCinces or Brian Downing. As additional protection, perhaps, for the possible loss of Boone, the Angels signed ex- Dodger catcher Jack Fimple for their Edmonton farm club of the Pacific Coast League.

Fimple, 28, became a free agent recently when the Dodgers refused to offer him a 1987 contract. He batted .286 at Albuquerque last season and .077 in 13 games with the Dodgers.

If Boone, DeCinces and Downing remain unsigned after 9 tonight, they cannot re-sign with the Angels until May 1. Sources with knowledge of the negotiations said Wednesday that a meeting between General Manager Mike Port and attorney Tom Reich at Anaheim Stadium this morning is expected to produce a two-year guaranteed contract for Downing but that the club will continue to offer DeCinces and Boone only one year guaranteed.

Neither DeCinces nor his agent, Ron Shapiro, could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Attorney Arthur Rosenberg, who represents Boone, alluded to the Angels’ one year offer at a “substantial” cut from Boone’s $700,000 of last year and said, “I don’t mind that there has been no headway, but I do mind that there has been no dialogue. We sent the Angels a proposal via letter a week ago Wednesday and haven’t gotten a response. I don’t know if we’ll call tomorrow. I don’t know if Bob will be back with the Angels or not.”