BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Carew Had an Idea Yount Would Be a Hit

Rod Carew knew at first sight that Robin Yount would be an outstanding player, but even he didn’t predict Yount would collect 3,000 hits.

“I thought he would be a good player because he handled himself well as a young kid, but you can never say someone will get 2,000 hits or 3,000 hits,” said Carew, the Angels’ hitting instructor and the last man to reach 3,000 hits before Yount did it Wednesday. “After being around him, you knew he’d be one of the really good ones. He’s been a good hitter and he’s been consistent over the years. There aren’t many players that have been around as long . . . . “Who’s next, Dave Winfield? And Dave Parker was the next guy. The difference to me is we all played against right-handers and left-handers. I’m sure if I was being platooned, it would have been more difficult. Today, guys are being platooned more, so it’s going to be tougher to get to 3,000.”

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In an effort to salvage his career, reliever Scott Bailes has adapted a sidearm delivery. In his first try, he gave up four runs to Oakland Tuesday night, but he’s determined to stick with it. “This has been pretty much of a lost season for me,” said Bailes, who’s 3-1 with a 7.65 earned-run average. “If I get to the point where I can get left-handers out, maybe there’s a chance I can come back here next season.”

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Tests on Tim Salmon’s left wrist found only a sprain. He’s possible for this weekend at Minnesota. . . . Rookie Reggie Williams, who struck out in his first major league at-bat Tuesday night, laughed about it Wednesday. “I took a deep breath, but it wouldn’t come out. I was hyperventilating,” he said. “Before I knew it, it was strike two.” . . . Manager Buck Rodgers is mildly apprehensive about his first trip since returning from the injuries he suffered in the bus accident. The first stop, the Metrodome, has a long, difficult flight of steps from the clubhouse to the dugout. “It’ll be a challenge,” said Rodgers, who still has a slight limp.