BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : They May Not Return to Edmonton

Mel Kowalchuk, general manager of the triple-A Edmonton Trappers, said it’s unlikely that the Angels will renew their 10-year affiliation with the Pacific Coast League team. Kowalchuk said agreements for next season must be completed by Sept. 30.

“They’re adamant about making a change and so are we,” Kowalchuk said. “The main problem is transportation, and I understand that. We think, with our new stadium (under construction), that we have a lot to offer. . . . I’d think we’d be a better match with a team from the Midwest.”

Vancouver remains the Angels’ most likely affiliation. Although transportation from there to Anaheim would be easier because there are more direct flights daily from Vancouver than Edmonton, the cost of living in Vancouver is higher.

“I’ve heard stories from the (Chicago) White Sox (who are ending their affiliation with Vancouver) that their guys had to live three or four to an apartment because the rents were so high,” Kowalchuk said. “So what the Angels save on transportation, they might have to spend on higher player salaries.”