BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Autry Considered Quitting

Jackie Autry offered to relinquish her baseball responsibilities and resign as the Angels’ executive vice president in response to published criticism of her actions, but that gesture was “more reactionary than reality,” according to Angel spokesman Tim Mead.

In confirming a report in the Sporting News that said Autry reportedly had tendered her resignation, Mead said Saturday that Autry did not seriously consider resigning. He said her offer stemmed from her frustration over being criticized for imposing budgetary restrictions, as well as frustration over the team’s poor fortunes on the field. Mead said Autry, the wife of team owner Gene Autry, was easily talked out of resigning by team President Richard Brown.

Mead also said Jackie Autry, who has decided to limit her availability for interviews, would not comment on the Sporting News story.

“Rich and others said, ‘No, don’t do it,’ ” Mead said. “(Her offer) was an emotional reaction to a lot of things that were happening at the time.”

Luis Polonia started in left field Saturday, his first appearance in the field since he jammed his left hand July 10 at Detroit. He has been limited to designated-hitter duty. Polonia was a late arrival at Anaheim Stadium and was fined an undisclosed amount by interim Manager John Wathan. . . . Mike Fitzgerald was the DH Saturday, a move Wathan said he made because Fitzgerald was hitting .273 (12 for 44) against left-handers. Fitzgerald’s overall average was .197. . . . Von Hayes, who sat out Friday because of a pulled rib-cage muscle, pinch-hit Saturday. . . . Greg Myers (sore right wrist) also was available but not in the starting lineup.