Angels Submit Contract Proposal to Pitcher Scott Sanderson

The Angels submitted a contract proposal Friday to free-agent starter Scott Sanderson but will have to wait until next week before knowing whether they will have his services.

The Angels, according to a source close to the negotiations, offered a triple-A contract that will guarantee him approximately $700,000 if he makes their opening-day roster. Sanderson is seeking a higher guarantee, along with incentives that would allow him to earn nearly $2 million.

Sanderson, 12-11 with a 4.93 earned-run average last season for the New York Yankees, has averaged 14 victories the last four seasons. He is expected to resume negotiations Monday with the Angels but also has been in contact with three other teams.

If the Angels are successful in obtaining Sanderson, they will terminate negotiations with free-agent reliever Jeff Russell, according to Dan O’Brien, executive vice president of baseball operations.

“We’re not going to get both of them,” O’Brien said. “And right now, our biggest need is for a fifth starter.”

Although there has been daily dialogue between the Angels and Russell’s agent for nearly two weeks, the Angel front office has mixed feelings about Russell. While there are those in the organization who are pushing for Russell, others would prefer that Joe Grahe be provided the opportunity to be the stopper. Grahe saved 21 games last season while replacing injured Bryan Harvey.

“He’s (Grahe) not what you characterize a prototype closer,” O’Brien said, “but you can’t argue with the results. Our interest in (Russell) may have diminished somewhat, but he’s not out of the picture by any means.”

If the Angels do not acquire Russell, he is expected to sign with the Boston Red Sox.

In other news:

--The Angels hired former pitcher Matt Keough as a special assignment scout. Keough was in the Angels’ spring-training camp March 16 last year when he was hit in the head and injured by a foul ball at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Stadium.

--Six nonroster players have been invited to spring training. The Angels have added minor league catchers Jorge Fabregas and Chris Turner, who join infielder Rene Gonzales, pitcher Pete Janicki, outfielders Stan Javier and Jerome Walton. Gonzales and Javier already have been assured spots on the opening-day roster.

--Outfielders Tim Salmon, Chad Curtis, Reggie Williams, Kevin Flora and Walton will report early to camp and begin workouts with outfield instructor Sam Suplizio. Flora, who batted .324 last season in triple A and has spent his professional career as a middle infielder, will be converted into a center fielder. He is expected to open at triple-A Vancouver.