Angels, Joyner State Their Cases in Arbitration Hearing

Arbitrator Donald Sears heard nearly six hours of testimony Monday in Los Angeles as Wally Joyner’s representatives tried to prove that the Angel first baseman deserved the $1.75 million salary he requested and the club’s advocates stated their case for a $1.225 million figure.

Michael Watkins, one of Joyner’s agents, said Monday he expected a decision today or Wednesday. As with all arbitration cases, Sears must pick either the player’s figure or the club’s.

The Angels were represented by Tal Smith, a consultant employed by many major league clubs to help their cause in arbitration proceedings, and Dan O’Brien, their senior vice president for baseball operations. Barry Axelrod and Watkins spoke for Joyner, who earned a base salary of $920,000 last season. Joyner, 27, batted .282 last season with 16 home runs and 79 runs batted in.

The next scheduled hearing for the Angels involves center fielder Devon White, who filed at $865,000. The Angels have offered $580,000. White’s session is scheduled for today in Los Angeles.