Joyner Files for Arbitration as Dialogue With Angels Stalls

Reviving memories of last year’s contract hassle with the Angels, first baseman Wally Joyner filed for salary arbitration Tuesday.

Attorney Barry Axelrod said that he has been unable to generate meaningful discussions with Angel General Manager Mike Port, creating a situation similar to last winter, when Joyner eventually staged a spring training holdout before agreeing to the Angels’ long-standing offer of $340,000.

At that time, Joyner had not been in the major leagues long enough to qualify for arbitration, 3 years.

Eligible players have until Monday to file for arbitration. The club and player must exchange salary figures 3 days after the player files. An impartial arbitrator then chooses one of the two figures after a hearing usually scheduled for mid-February. The club and player can continue to negotiate until the hearing begins.

Joyner and the Angels, therefore, must exchange salary figures Friday. Axelrod said the only Angels’ offer was for the same $340,000 that Joyner earned last year. He refused to say what Joyner is seeking. Port would not discuss individual negotiations.

Eight other Angels are eligible for arbitration: pitchers Kirk McCaskill and Greg Minton, outfielders Chili Davis and Tony Armas, infielders Dick Schofield and Jack Howell, and catchers Darrell Miller and Bill Schroeder.

The eight Dodgers eligible for arbitration are pitchers Orel Hershiser, Tim Leary, Ricky Horton and Ray Searage, catcher Rick Dempsey and infielders Dave Anderson, Franklin Stubbs and Mariano Duncan.