Bonilla’s Agent Says Angels Are a ‘Serious Contender’

Calling the Angels “definitely a very serious contender” in the Bobby Bonilla sweepstakes, Bonilla’s agent, Dennis Gilbert, said after day-long meetings with club officials Friday he expects to have a formal offer from the Angels within the next few days.

Gilbert was to speak again with Angel Senior Vice President Whitey Herzog today. Herzog left for his home in a St. Louis suburb Friday and could not be reached for comment.

Although Gilbert declined to disclose details of his discussions--or to reveal the value of an offer made Friday by the New York Mets--Bonilla’s earnings will skyrocket the next five years no matter where he goes. Bonilla also has been wooed by the Phillies and will talk to the White Sox and Cubs next week in Chicago.

Reports estimated that the Mets’ offer at $26 million for five years, with the Phillies slightly behind. “I’ve read the speculation. Nobody’s been close. Everybody has been low,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert accompanied Bonilla to Anaheim Stadium Friday to confer with Herzog and the Angels’ other senior vice president, Dan O’Brien; club President Richard Brown, and owners Gene and Jackie Autry. “They’re really good people. Bobby enjoyed meeting the Autrys,” Gilbert said. “It was very informative. Bobby has a certain comfort feeling with Whitey.”

Gilbert said Bonilla would make a decision before the winter meetings, which begin Dec. 8 in Miami Beach. “It’s not fair to Bobby, his family and the teams (to prolong matters),” Gilbert said. “We’ll try to get everything done well before then. But it’s pretty tough to wrap up a $25- to $30-million deal quickly.”

Bonilla, who described his meeting with the Autrys as “pretty impressive,” said his head was spinning after Friday’s session. “I’m very excited,” said Bonilla, who hit .302 for the Pirates last season with 18 home runs and 100 runs batted in.

O’Brien said in a statement: “We had a meeting earlier today that I think all parties were pleased with. Bobby is an outstanding young man in addition to his athletic capabilities. Things were left on a very positive level and we anticipate further contact in the near future.”

Gilbert also said he will wait until Bonilla’s future is resolved to open negotiations for Danny Tartabull, another productive outfielder who has attracted the Angels’ interest and would probably command a lower salary than Bonilla. “Right now our game plan is to take care of Bobby Bonilla first, then take care of Danny Tartabull,” Gilbert said.