BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Team Rejected McGwire-for-Joyner

The Oakland Athletics offered Mark McGwire to the Angels for Wally Joyner last week, but the Angels had no qualms about refusing the trade, according to a source close to the deal.

It is believed the A’s offered McGwire and his $2.8-million salary to several clubs, and the Angels decided his production didn’t justify the expense of acquiring him. McGwire, who is hitting .209 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs, is a year away from free agency.

The Angels talked to several other clubs before Saturday’s deadline for submitting postseason rosters but made no trades. “There was nothing of any consequence,” Senior Vice President Dan O’Brien said.

Doug Rader, fired as manager last Monday, said Saturday he is doing well at home in Stuart, Fla. Asked if he were relaxing, he joked, “No, my wife has this bullwhip here and she won’t let me.”

Catcher Barry Lyons will join the Angels today in Milwaukee after having his contract purchased from triple-A Edmonton. Lyons, 31, was signed as a free agent in June and hit .317 with two homers and 23 RBIs in 46 games with the Trappers. . . . Lance Parrish, who has been hampered by a stiff back, pinch-hit Saturday and caught the last three innings. Rosters expand to 40 today, but the Angels won’t recall anyone until Tuesday, after Edmonton’s season ends. Manager Buck Rodgers especially wants to see first baseman-outfielder Lee Stevens and left-hander Kyle Abbott. . . . Mark Langston, who missed his last start because of a strained right hip flexor, threw on the sidelines for 12 minutes and will start Tuesday in Boston. He joined a half-dozen players and first base coach Bruce Hines in running football pass patterns in left field Saturday, while O’Brien watched in mock horror from the press box. . . . Jaime Navarro will start for Milwaukee today and Don August will start Monday.