Downing Gets Concessions From Angels

The Angels’ loss of Bob Boone has developed into Brian Downing’s gain, with the club’s second “new-look” free agent receiving a pair of concessions from General Manager Mike Port:

--Downing’s original 1989 contract, calling for a non-guaranteed salary of $850,000, will now be guaranteed.

--The Angels are open to renegotiating that contract, granting Downing what Port called “additional financial considerations.”

Downing, 38, was one of 13 players awarded limited free agency by arbitrator George Nicolau, who delivered the Collusion II ruling covering the 1986-87 off-season. Those players were given until Dec. 16 to sign with another team, and one of them, Boone, did just that 2 weeks ago when he left the Angels for a 1-year contract with the Kansas City Royals.

Stung once, Port met with Downing’s agent, Tom Reich, during last week’s winter meetings to try to avert another defection and another public-relations fiasco.

“Lest we go through another Bob Boone scenario, I telephoned Brian last week to let him know that he is in our plans--flat out--and that he is wanted,” Port said Monday.

“Then, in Atlanta last week, I met with Tom Reich, and the first thing he mentioned was that Brian’s contract for 1989 was not guaranteed. I told Tom, ‘Well, it’s guaranteed now.’ Moreover, I told Tom that we would be willing to discuss additional financial considerations for Brian.”

In other words, the Angels are now willing to talk raise with Downing. And for that, Downing can thank former teammate Boone.

Last season, Downing, the Angels’ designated hitter, earned $900,000 while leading the club in home runs with 25. He batted .242 with 64 runs batted in.

Under the non-guaranteed terms of his original contract, Downing would earn $50,000 less in 1989--provided he made the team. If injured or released before opening day, Downing would have been eligible for only $141,667, or 1/6th of his $850,000 salary.

“Now, we’re on the hook for the whole thing,” Port said. “Hopefully, this is a clear signal to Brian that he is wanted here.”

Port said he plans to talk with Reich this week to finalize an agreement. If Downing does not sign with another club by this Friday’s deadline, he will automatically remain Angel property.

“Brian still has free-look capabilities, at least through Friday,” Port said. “But we have learned from the Boone scenario, and we’re in the process now of resolving this.”