BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Polonia Admires Lofton’s Style

Angel leadoff hitter Luis Polonia, given the day off, couldn’t keep his eye off Kenny Lofton during Cleveland’s 3-0 victory Saturday.

Polonia watched every move the Cleveland leadoff hitter made. He watched Lofton lay down a bunt with third baseman Damion Easley playing only 50 feet away. He watched Lofton steal three bases. He also watched him raise his batting average to .323.

“He’s the best leadoff hitter in the game right now,” said Polonia, who’s batting .261. “I couldn’t believe he can just bunt the ball where he wants, and he still challenges anyone to throw him out.

“Man, he really got me to thinking today. If he can do that, bunt with the third baseman so close, why can’t I? They play back on me, so really, I should be taking advantage of it.

“You watch, here comes the new Luis Polonia. I’m going to start putting the ball so many places they won’t know where to play me.”

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Angel Manager Buck Rodgers never has camouflaged his dislike for player agents, and it has struck a nerve with him that the Angels’ No. 1 pick, pitcher Brian Anderson, is not close to signing.

“Here’s a kid who could be up here in September,” Rodgers said, “but if this thing keeps dragging, there’s no way. The money is here for him, but he’s allowing $100,000 or so to ruin that.

“I wish these agents would look out for a kid’s future instead of just looking out for themselves.”

Although Anderson’s mother is representing him in negotiations, he is being advised by agent Ron Shapiro of Baltimore.

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Angel starter Scott Sanderson, in a seven-game losing streak, will start on three days’ rest Monday against the Boston Red Sox. The Angels made the adjustment because Hilly Hathaway has been weakened by flu. . . . Cleveland starter Bob Ojeda, who has been out since the boating accident that killed two of his teammates in spring training, pitched batting practice for the first time.