BASEBALL 1992 PREVIEW : ANGEL PROFILES

JIM ABBOTT

25

PITCHER

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210

Birthday: 9/19/67

ML Service: 3.000

1991: After losing his first four starts, his career best 18-11 record and club-leading 2.89 ERA led to his being named the Angels’ co-most valuable player (with reliever Bryan Harvey). Beat every AL club except Oakland at least once, finished third in Cy Young balloting.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 18-11 2.89 34 5 0 243 222 78 73 158

Miscellany: Angel MVP just one more award, on top of Sullivan (top amateur athlete), Big 10 athlete of year, Olympic gold, Pan-Am silver . . . and that’s just a partial list.

SCOTT BAILES

43

PITCHER

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-2 Wt: 171

Birthday: 12/18/62

ML Service: 5.135

1991: ERA of 4.18 was his lowest in the majors. Dropped opponents’ batting average against him from .315 in 1990 to .218, with right-handers hitting just .198. Longest outing was 3 1/3 innings. Ejected May 14 for hitting Yankees’ Randy Velarde.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 1-2 4.18 42 0 0 51 2/3 41 24 22 41

Miscellany: Set career highs for starts (21), complete games (5), shutouts (2) and innings pitched (145) in 1988 with Cleveland. Best major league W-L record 10-10 for Indians in 1986.

CHRIS BEASLEY

63

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190

Birthday: 6/23/62

ML Service: 0.091

Had an erratic season in both the minors and with the Angels. Started season in Edmonton, and team lost nine of first 10 games in which he appeared before winning 11 of 13. Angels won just three of his 22 outings. Had 1.23 home ERA, 6.00 on road.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 0-1 3.38 22 0 0 26 2/3 26 10 10 14

Miscellany: Attended Costa Mesa High, Orange Coast College before going to Arizona State, where he played baseball and basketball. Missed 1988 with elbow injury.

HUBIE BROOKS

8

OUTFIELD/DH

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 205

Birthday: 9/24/55

ML Service: 11.034

1991: Played only 103 games for Mets last season and had surgery to remove herniated disk Sept. 12. In 33 games (May 8-June 20), hit .339 with nine two-hit games and four three-hit games. Hit .303 leading off innings but just .210 with runners in scoring position.

With the New York Mets:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .238 103 357 48 85 11 1 16 50 3

Miscellany: Angels hope player acquired in December trade (for Dave Gallagher) will revert to 1990 form (20 home runs, 91 RBIs for Dodgers) and be an effective designated hitter.

CHUCK CRIM

32

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 185

Birthday: 7/23/61

ML Service: 5.000

1991: Traded to Angels by Milwaukee (in exchange for pitchers Mike Fetters and Glenn Carter) on Dec. 10. Led Brewers in appearances (66) for fourth consecutive season but save total (3) was lowest in major league career, with none after May 2.

With the Milwaukee Brewers:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 8-5 4.63 66 0 3 91 1/3 115 47 25 39

Miscellany: Topped AL in appearances in both 1988 (70) and 1989 (76). Career bests in victories (9), ERA (2.83) and strikeouts (59) in ‘89, when he was Brewer “Unsung Hero.”

CHAD CURTIS

30

OUTFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 175

Birthday: 11/6/68

ML Service: 0.000

1991: Playing for Edmonton, finished third in the Pacific Coast League in steals (46, third highest in team history), eighth in average (.316) and had 37 multiple-hit games, including 13 with three or four hits. Was Venezuelan League MVP (batting .338).

With Edmonton (Angel triple A):

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .316 115 431 81 136 28 7 9 61 46

Miscellany: Converted second baseman has a minor league career batting average over .300 in three seasons. Inexperienced but talented prospect with a bright future.

ALVIN DAVIS

21

INFIELD/DH

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 190

Birthday: 9/9/60

ML Service: 8.000

1991: Appeared in just 14 games at first base, getting 413 at-bats as the designated hitter. Failed to hit grand slam for first time since 1985 (he had three in 1990). His .221 average was his lowest in eight seasons in the big leagues.

With the Seattle Mariners:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .221 145 462 39 102 15 1 12 69 0

Miscellany: Beginning with 1984, was among Mariner leaders in many offensive categories for seven seasons in row. Has .281 career average. Will be used to spell Lee Stevens at first.

GARY DISARCINA

11

INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 178

Birthday: 11/19/67

ML Service: 0.094

1991: Played just 18 games with Angels, but had big season in Edmonton, where he was named player of year. In triple A, hit career-best .310--up from .212 in 1990--with 58 RBIs. Was PCL’s top-fielding shortstop with .967 percentage.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .211 18 57 5 12 2 0 0 3 0

Miscellany: A banner 1991 in triple A combined with a solid spring offensively and defensively boosted him into the starting shortstop job, where team hopes he’ll be for a long time.

MARK EICHHORN

45

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 210

Birthday: 11/21/60

ML Service: 5.112

1991: Middle reliever’s 1.98 ERA was second-lowest of career (behind 1.72 for Toronto in 1986). Allowed first walk June 26 after 168 batters, 32 games and 45 innings without one. Only Minnie Rojas (72 in 1967) appeared in more games for Angels.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 3-3 1.98 70 0 1 81 2/3 63 18 13 49

Miscellany: Was 14-6 with 10 saves in 69 appearances in 1986 (when he was Sporting News’ rookie pitcher of year) and 10-6 in AL-best 89 relief appearances in ’87.

JUNIOR FELIX

47

OUTFIELD

Bats: S Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 165

Birthday: 10/3/67

ML Service: 2.154

1991: Because of two stays on disabled list (June 2-June 17, June 25-Aug. 25) with strained calf, played in just 66 games for Angels. Also missed 13 days in September with strained rib cage. Batted .340 (17 for 50) in No. 2 spot in order, .344 (22 for 64) in seventh spot.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .283 66 230 32 65 10 2 2 26 7

Miscellany: Angels hope that when healthy, he’ll be the player who was batting .359 with runners in scoring position (46 RBIs) for Toronto at the 1990 All-Star break.

CHUCK FINLEY

31

PITCHER

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-6 Wt: 214

Birthday: 11/26/62

ML Service: 5.134

1991: Had second consecutive 18-9 record despite pitching all season on painful big left toe (shattered bone) that required surgery. Threw a two-hitter April 19 to defeat World Series champion Minnesota and Jack Morris, 2-0. Was 12-4 before All-Star break, 6-5 after.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 18-9 3.80 34 4 0 227 1/3 205 96 101 171

Miscellany: Two-time All-Star has 66 victories, seventh on all-time club list. Only Frank Tanana (102), Clyde Wright (87) have more among left-handers. Is 43-21 since June, 1989.

MIKE FITZGERALD

92

CATCHER/UTILITY

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 190

Birthday: 7/13/60

ML Service: 7.151

1991: Began season on disabled list after breaking a bone in his left hand in spring training. Hit .309 during last six weeks of season with three home runs and 15 RBIs. Batted .233 against left-handers--with three of his four homers--and .179 against right-handers.

With the Montreal Expos:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .202 71 198 17 40 5 2 4 28 4

Miscellany: Free-agent signee expected to back up at catcher and also help elsewhere. Played for Buck Rodgers in Montreal. Led Lakewood High to state title as sophomore.

GARY GAETTI

3

INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 200

Birthday: 8/19/58

ML Service: 10.017

1991: In first year with Angels, his .246 average was 17 points higher than 1990 (with Minnesota), but his 66 RBIs were 19 fewer. Committed 17 errors in 482 chances at third, but six of those errors were in his final 11 games. Two on July 31 ended 56-game errorless string.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .246 152 586 58 144 22 1 18 66 5

Miscellany: Has played more than 150 games seven times--160 or more twice--including 152 last season. Two-time AL All-Star has won four Gold Gloves at third.

JOE GRAHE

20

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 200

Birthday: 8/14/67

ML Service: 0.159

1991: Was in derby to become Angels’ fifth starter and struggled as did his counterparts. Was 2-7 as a starter, 1-0 in relief. Called up June 4, sent back to Edmonton July 8, recalled Aug. 5. In Edmonton, was 9-3 with three complete games.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 3-7 4.81 18 1 0 73 84 39 33 40

Miscellany: Unless something unexpected happens, earned the job as the Angels’ fourth starter to begin the season with a strong performance during spring training.

BRYAN HARVEY

34

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 212

Birthday: 6/2/63

ML Service: 4.037

Angel co-MVP with Jim Abbott had a league-leading 46 saves and was named league’s reliever of year. Nailed that award down by tying the major league record with 12 saves in 14 opportunities in September. Was named to All-Star team.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 2-4 1.60 67 0 46 78 2/3 51 14 17 101

Miscellany: Former slo-pitch softball player has 96 saves in three seasons. Club awarded his consistent improvement with a four-year contract on Jan. 8.

VON HAYES

9

OUTFIELD

Bats: L Throws: R Ht: 6-5 Wt: 186

Birthday: 8/31/58

ML Service: 10.063

1991: Played in a career-low 77 games with no home runs after hitting 26 in 1989 (his All-Star year) and 17 in 1990. Was on disabled list from June 15-Sept. 5 after a Tom Browning pitch broke a bone in his right arm. Appeared in all three outfield positions.

With the Philadelphia Phillies:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .225 77 284 43 64 15 1 0 21 9

Miscellany: Averaged .273, 70 RBIs, 15 homers, 25 stolen bases over nine seasons in which he played more than 100 games. Acquired in trade for Kyle Abbott, Ruben Amaro.

MARK LANGSTON

12

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: L Ht: 6-2 Wt: 184

Birthday: 8/20/60

ML Service: 8.000

1991: Followed disappointing 1990--10-17 after signing a lucrative, five-year contract--by equaling his most victories ever. All-Star had 12-3 record before the break. Was first Angel pitcher to win Gold Glove, his third. Yielded 30 homers, sixth most in club history.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 19-8 3.00 34 7 0 246 1/3 190 82 96 183

Miscellany: Led AL in strikeouts three of first four years in Seattle, 1984-87. Threw one-hitter at Texas in 1988, combined with Mike Witt for Angel no-hitter at home on April 11, 1990.

SCOTT LEWIS

18

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 178

Birthday: 12/5/65

ML Service: 0.110

1991: Earned shot as fifth starter to open season but went 1-5 in nine starts before being optioned to Edmonton June 4. His victory over Oakland April 18 was Angels’ single success against the A’s. Was 3-9 in 17 starts with Edmonton, recalled Sept. 6.

With the Angels:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 3-5 6.27 16 0 0 60 1/3 81 42 21 37

Miscellany: Best pro record 13-11 for Edmonton in 1990. Won major league debut, 8-2, over Texas Sept. 25, 1990. Lost 2-1 complete game to Kansas City in second start.

JOHN MORRIS

33

OUTFIELD

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-1 Wt: 185

Birthday: 2/23/61

ML Service: 5.051

1991: Appeared in 85 games--in all three outfield positions but primarily center and right--after playing in only 18 the previous year. Batted .306 in day games but only .167 at night. Was 12 for 40 (.300) leading off an inning. Signed as free agent Dec. 13.

With the Philadelphia Phillies:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .220 85 127 15 28 2 1 1 6 2

Miscellany: Most productive year was 1987 for St. Louis, when he hit .261 in 101 games and was 10 for 30 as pinch-hitter. Missed most of 1988 after surgery for ruptured disk.

JOHN ORTON

14

CATCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 192

Birthday: 12/8/65

ML Service: 1.071

1991: Appeared in only 29 games for Angels after starting season on opening roster. Was optioned to Edmonton twice before final recall Sept. 6. Committed only one error in 169 big league chances. Batted .224 in 76 games for Edmonton, with five homers and 32 RBIs.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .203 29 69 7 14 4 0 0 3 0

Miscellany: Has appeared in 16, 31 and 29 games in past three big league seasons, batting .193. Had hoped to step in as regular but will start season on DL with right shoulder problems.

LANCE PARRISH

13

CATCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 224

Birthday: 6/15/56

ML Service: 14.031

1991: After solid 1990 (.268 average, 24 home runs), dipped to .216 average, one above his major league low. His 19 homers is the most of any returning Angel with departure of Winfield and Joyner. Hit 300th career home run vs. Minnesota Aug. 15.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .216 119 402 38 87 12 0 19 51 0

Miscellany: An eight-time All-Star (1990 with Angels), he has hit 286 career home runs while playing catcher, fifth on all-time list. Just ahead: Gary Carter (294) and Yogi Berra (304).

LUIS POLONIA

22

OUTFIELD

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 5-8 Wt: 150

Birthday: 10/12/64

ML Service: 4.110

1991: Just missed third consecutive .300 season (.296), but his .332 road average ranked fourth in AL. Batted .333 with runners in scoring position. Stolen base count of 48 was 19 more than previous best in majors--but he was caught an AL-leading 23 times.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .296 150 604 92 179 28 8 2 50 48

Miscellany: Has .302 average in majors and could have had an AL batting title in 1990 with 66 more plate appearances--his non-qualifying .335 topped George Brett’s .329.

DON ROBINSON

40

PITCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 240

Birthday: 6/8/57

ML Service: 14.000

1991: In battle for starting job with San Francisco but a continuing problem--injury--slowed him when he strained right shoulder. Made eight relief appearances before starting May 6. Pulled hamstring July 19, placed on disabled list until Aug. 17.

With the San Francisco Giants:

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB SO 5-9 4.38 34 0 1 121 1/3 128 59 50 78

Miscellany: Has nailed down job as club’s fifth starter with a solid spring. Is 107-102 in majors--all in National League--since 1978. Signed as free agent Jan. 3.

BOBBY ROSE

6

INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 185

Birthday: 3/15/67

ML Service: 1.010

1991: Began the season with Edmonton and went back and forth from there to Angels four times. For Edmonton, hit .298 with six homers and 56 RBIs in 62 games, playing first, second and third. Had two four-hit games, a number with two or more hits.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .277 22 65 5 18 5 1 1 8 0

Miscellany: Did not play after last Aug. 23 because of inflammation in right shoulder; had arthroscopic surgery in December. Bounced back to earn starting job at second.

DICK SCHOFIELD

17

INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-10 Wt: 179

Birthday: 11/21/62

ML Service: 8.025

1991: After improving to .255 average in 1990, fell to .225: .278 through June 23 and .187 with 14 RBIs after. Went without a home run, extending homerless streak to 776 at-bats since June 9, 1990. Grounded into only three double plays in 487 plate appearances.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .225 134 427 44 96 9 3 0 31 8

Miscellany: Career .232 hitter completed eighth season with the Angels in 1991, making him the club leader in service. Has hit into just 44 double plays in 3,395 at-bats.

LUIS SOJO

10

INFIELD

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 5-11 Wt: 174

Birthday: 1/3/66

ML Service: 1.082

1991: Raised season average to .258 by hitting .285 in second half after .228 start in first. Hit safely in eight of his last nine games (15 for 40). Led AL in sacrifice bunts with 19. Had 11 errors in 565 chances at second; also played short, third, left.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .258 113 364 38 94 14 1 3 20 4

Miscellany: Bothered by a variety of injuries last year, he was supplanted by Bobby Rose as starting second baseman heading into this season. Will be used in a utility role.

LEE STEVENS

23

INFIELD

Bats: L Throws: L Ht: 6-4 Wt: 219

Birthday: 7/10/67

ML Service: 0.111

1991: Showed potential by batting .314 in 123 games in Edmonton with 19 homers and 96 RBIs (fifth most in Edmonton history). Had hitting streaks of 17 and 16 games. Committed just three errors in 412 chances at first. Seven of 17 Angel hits were doubles.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .293 18 58 8 17 7 0 0 9 1

Miscellany: Instant coronation as heir to Wally Joyner at first base has been held up by a lingering wrist problem that hampered his progress during spring training.

RON TINGLEY

24

CATCHER

Bats: R Throws: R Ht: 6-2 Wt: 194

Birthday: 5/27/59

ML Service: 2.009

1991: Opened 15th consecutive season in minors, with Edmonton, before contract was purchased May 9. Groundout May 19 resulted in his first big league RBI since Aug. 3, 1988. Hit .291 with three homers and 15 RBI in 17 games with Edmonton.

With the Angels:

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .200 45 115 11 23 7 0 1 13 1

Miscellany: The prototypical journeyman backup catcher, has played just 71 games in the big leagues since 1977. Has .182 career average with two homers, one in 1991.