BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : White Returns to Anaheim Carrying a .290 Average

Devon White, the promising center fielder who was traded by the Angels in frustration last winter after he hit .217 and earned a trip to the minors, makes his first return to Anaheim Stadium today. Since joining Toronto, White has thrived, batting .290 with 19 runs batted in despite a recent slump. He also is batting leadoff, an assignment he balked at with the Angels.

“Just a change of venue can help people relax and find themselves,” said Dave Winfield, who offered his help to White in early batting practice last season. White, a 1989 All-Star, told the Dallas Morning News last month he has made a new start with the Blue Jays. “Last year they drug me through the gutter with all the negative things,” White said. “They wanted me to hit home runs, steal bases, play great defense and never make a mistake. Last year, I had a bad year. I hope it was the worst season of my career. I’m trying to pick myself up and show people what I’m capable of doing.”