McCaskill, Winfield Are Free Agents; Angels Say They Want to Keep Pitcher

Angel right-hander Kirk McCaskill filed for free agency Wednesday, but the club hopes to reach a contract agreement with him.

Also filing were outfielder Dave Winfield, 40, whose option year was bought out by the Angels last week, and Cardinal first baseman Pedro Guerrero, who missed six weeks of the 1991 season because of a leg fracture.

McCaskill, 30, was 10-19 last season and led the American League in losses, but he was frequently victimized by meager offensive support. He earned $2.1 million in 1991.

“He’s earned the right to file,” Angel Senior Vice President Dan O’Brien said. “Yes, we want to keep him and I hope to talk to his agent.” McCaskill is represented by Marvin Demoff, who could not be reached Wednesday.

O’Brien also said talks are continuing with shortstop Dick Schofield, another potential free agent. “As long as we keep talking there’s no reason to be discouraged,” O’Brien said.