BASEBALL 1992 PREVIEW : California Angels

Three young infielders-Lee Stevens, Bobby Rose and Gary DiSarcina-get a shot in 1992. The Pitching Staff Starters Jim Abbott, Chuck Finley and Mark Langston, backed by reliever Bryan Harvey, helped staff compile a 3.69 earned-run average last season, second in the American League only to the Toronto Blue Jays with a staff earned-run average of 3.50. The Bench First baseman Alvin Davis and catcher-utility player Mike Fitzgerald are expected to come off the bench and add experience to a young lineup.

Batting Order: Opening Day 1992 1. Polonia: .296* 2. Felix: .283 3. Hayes: .225 4. Brooks / DH: .238 5. Gaetti: .246 6. Stevens: .293 7. Parrish: .216 8. Rose: .277 9. DiSarcina: .211 * 91 batting average The Skipper A member of the original 1961 Angels, Buck Rodgers is entering his first full season as the team’s manager. After taking over on Aug. 26, Rodgers compiled a 20-18 record. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1980-82 and in ’87 was N.L. manager of the year with Montreal. Factor of 3 One of the top relief pitchers in the game (Bryan Harvey), a promising young power hitter (Lee Stevens) and a speedy leadoff hitter (Luis Polonia) could play key roles this season. Bryan HARVEY/RP Figured in 57% of the Angel’s 81 victories last season. One of only four pitchers to average more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings for 200 or more career innings. Season Average (Career) Seasons: 5 Era: 2.45 Innings: 56 Hits: 39 Saves: 26 Sos: 66 Lee STEVENS/1B If his sore right wrist holds up, Stevens has the potential to provide power the Angels’ offense otherwise lacks. Manager Buck Rogers plans to play Stevens five games per week and rest him twice to be sure his wrist holds up. Season Average (Career) Seasons: 2 Avg. .229 Hits: 35 Runs: 18 HRs: 4 RBIs: 21 Luis POLONIA/LF As the leadoff hitter, he’ll set the tone for Rodgers’ running game. He stole a career-high 48 bases last season while hitting .296, including .333 with runners in scoring position. Season Average (Career) Seasons: 8 Avg. .302 Hits: 131 Runs: 69 HRs: 3 RBIs: 41 C-Lance Parrish P-Mark Langston 3B-Gary Gaetti LF-Luis Polonia SS-Gary DiSarcina CF-Junior Felix RF-Von Hayes 2B-Bobby Rose 1B-Lee Stevens The Future Farm teams had a combined .518 winning percentage last season.

‘91 Level Team Record Pct. AAA Edmonton Trappers 70-66 .515 AA Midland Angels 67-68 .496 A Palm Springs Angels 65-71 .478 A Quad Cities Bandits 68-67 .504 A Boise Hawks 50-26 .658

The Kid to Watch Always considered a fine defensive shortstop, DiSarcina blossomed into an all-around player when he hit .310 for triple A Edmonton. Angel Mish Mash Catcher Lance Parrish is chasing catcher Gary Carter up the all-time home run chart. Team Salaries Going up. . . In Millions ‘89: $14.7 ‘90: $21 ‘91: $31.7 ‘92: $32* * Projected . . .Five Fruitful Angels

Player 1992 Salary Chuck Finley $4 million Mark Langston $3.25 million Bryan Harvey $2.75 million Gary Gaetti $2.7 million Lance Parrish $2.25 million

Parrish Averages 20 Home Runs

Player HR Yrs D. Winfield/TORONTO 406 18 E. Murray/NY METS 398 15 D. Murphy/PHILADELPHIA 396 16 D. Evans/BALTIMORE 385 20 A. Dawson/CHI CUBS 377 16 C. Fisk/CHI WHITE SOX 372 22 J. Clark/BOSTON 335 17 G. Carter/MONTREAL 319 18 L. Parrish/ANGELS 304 15 B. Brett/KANSAS CITY 291 19 D. Strawberry/DODGERS 280 9

The Fans They have shown up in fewer numbers during the past two seasons, but if the team can avoid another late-season swoon, attendance should improve. In millions ‘87: 2.70 ‘88: 2.34 ‘89: 2.65 ‘90: 2.56 ‘91: 2.42 Best: 2,807,360 (1982) The Victories A .500 season isn’t good enough in the A.L. West. ‘87: 75. Games Behind: 10 ‘88: 75. Games Behind: 29 ‘89: 91. Games Behind: 8 ‘90: 80. Games Behind: 23 ‘91: 81. Games Behind: 14 Best: 93-69 (1982). Lost to Milwaukee in ALCS. Sources: Angels Media Guide; American League Red Book