Repentant Candelaria Returns to Angels

After the first arrest for suspicion of drunk driving, there was a shrug--and a joke.

“It was my day off, it’s nobody’s business but mine,” Angel pitcher John Candelaria told reporters on April 17. “How many times have you driven under the influence?”

Later that night, after the game, Candelaria called out in a crowded locker room: “Any of you guys need a ride?”

After the second arrest, there was mainly silence.

“You’re wasting your time,” Candelaria told reporters May 15. “I have no comment.”

That was before Candelaria spent 15 days on the disabled list for “personal reasons.” That was before Candelaria underwent several sessions of private counseling.

Saturday, Candelaria rejoined the Angels. And if he didn’t return a changed man, he at least brought with him a change of attitude.

“I have had some problems in my life that do need attention,” Candelaria read from a statement during a brief press conference in Angel General Manager Mike Port’s hotel room. “Steps have been taken toward that goal.

“I’m sorry for the people who have lost children or loved ones as the result of people like myself on the road. And I’m sorry that the whole situation occurred. I will straighten out those problems as well as other personal problems.

“I hope people will try to understand and forgive my actions for the events of the past month. I feel it’s behind me but not forgotten. I will not be behind the wheel of any car in such a condition as to endanger anyone again.

“I am taking appropriate steps to assist me in fulfilling this commitment.”

Those steps are believed to include therapy for alcohol abuse, which Candelaria has been receiving on an out-patient basis. Candelaria had also been bothered by a sore back, but the opportunity to seek therapy for alcohol abuse was the main purpose of his placement on the disabled list.

“Steps have been taken to correct some problems, and to his (Candelaria’s) credit, he is taking those steps,” Port said. “There is a precise understanding in effect.”

Port added that “to this point, neither the commissioner nor the American League president have been involved in this scenario. Concerned, yes. Aware, yes. But involved, no. They have been comfortable with the way things have been handled by John and the California ballclub.”

Candelaria declined to answer any more questions about what Port called “recent occurrences” but did call the 15-day rest beneficial, and not just for his back. “It put my mind at ease, too,” he said.

At the time of Candelaria’s placement on the disabled list, the Angels were 18-16, one game out of first place. Since then, the Angels have gone 3-11 and lost eight straight, dropping into sixth place.

Candelaria, 4-1 with a 3.99 earned-run average, missed three starts during that span.

“I have cringed listening to the radio,” Candelaria said. “It’s not fun feeling to myself that I’m part of the reason we’re not doing well.”

Candelaria will start today’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, replacing rookie Mike Cook. He hasn’t pitched against live competition since May 13, when he gave up seven runs in 2 innings against the Detroit Tigers, but claims to be ready.

“I feel like I can pitch nine innings, although that doesn’t happen too often,” Candelaria said. “I think my back is fine, although I haven’t done anything too strenuous lately.

“Whenever the ball’s in my locker, that’s when I’ll pitch. Gene (Mauch) is the manager. If he wants me to pitch, what do you think I’ll do--tell him no?”

Mauch had earlier talked of using Candelaria in relief, working him back into condition an inning at a time.

“That sounds to me like he needs some help in the bullpen,” Candelaria said with a smile. “No, it wouldn’t bother me if he did that.”

At the end of the press conference, Candelaria told reporters that he would not be conducting interviews for a while, temporarily adopting the no-comment policy of teammate George Hendrick.

“I would appreciate you giving me a little space for a while,” he said.

Candelaria will, however, have something to say to his teammates. A 12-year veteran who has good rapport with many of the younger Angels, Candelaria is acknowledged as a clubhouse leader, one more thing the Angels have lacked during their losing streak.

“I don’t know what impact I can have,” he said. “I’ll certainly say something, even if I have to stick my foot in my mouth.

“This can be turned around, but it better be done soon. Kansas City looks like it doesn’t intend to fool around this year.”