Bonilla’s Agent Expects Angels to Make Offer in Next Few Days

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

Gilbert was to speak with Angel Senior Vice President Whitey Herzog again today. Herzog left for his St. Louis home after Friday’s meeting and could not be reached for comment.

Although Gilbert declined to discuss any terms--or to reveal details of an offer made Friday by the New York Mets--Bonilla’s earnings will skyrocket over the next five years no matter where he goes. Reports estimated the Mets’ offer at $26 million for five years, with the Philadelphia Phillies’ slightly below that. Bonilla will also talk to the Chicago White Sox and Cubs next week.

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-$30 million deal quickly.”

Bonilla, who described his meeting with Gene and Jackie Autry as “pretty impressive,” said his head was spinning after Friday’s session. “I’m very excited,” he said.