BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Surgery Becomes Option for Easley

The Angels, alarmed about second baseman Damion Easley’s chronic leg injuries--fearing that he might have a stress fracture rather than shin splints--have discussed the possibility of season-ending surgery with Easley.

“They’ve mentioned exploratory surgery with me,” Easley said Thursday. “If they could guarantee me being 100%, and never having that problem any more, I’d do it.

“I’ll be honest, this is scaring me a little bit. I’m starting to wonder if this is a foot, hip, or some other injury than the shins.”

Faced with the possibility of losing Easley for the season, the Angels will attempt today to sign infielder Kurt Stillwell, who was released this week by the San Diego Padres.

Easley, who already has undergone a magnetic resonance imaging test and cortisone shot, underwent a bone scan Thursday and will see another specialist today in Diamond Bar.

“Right now, they’re not ruling anything out,” said Easley, who has missed 28 games this season, including a stint on the disabled list.

Angel Manager Buck Rodgers said that it’s possible Easley will miss the remainder of the season while doctors determine the cause of pain.

“I would hope we would take the time to find out what’s wrong with him,” Rodgers said, “and if that takes blood tests, scopes, Mayo clinics and Scripps clinics, so be it.

“I’m not worrying about the season at this point. If it takes the rest of the season waiting for him to get ready for the spring, let’s do it.”

Stillwell batted .215 this season with one homer and 11 runs batted in.

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The Angels, as they promised this week, signed pitcher Brian Anderson, their first-round pick, to a minor league contract with a signing bonus of about $690,000, according to a source close to the negotiations. The Angels also agreed to pay for his fourth year of college.

“It’s been a tough while,” said Anderson, who never has been to California. “I’m really glad it’s over. I’m looking forward to starting to play again.”

Anderson, the third pick in the June free agent draft, will arrive at Anaheim Stadium for a news conference and report Saturday to their minor league camp in Mesa, Ariz.

Anderson, 21, finished his junior season at Wright State in Dayton, Ohio, with a 10-1 record, one save and a 1.14 earned-run average in 14 games, walking only six batters and striking out 98.

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Oakland Manager Tony La Russa said he talked with General Manager Sandy Alderson about the feasibility of acquiring starter Scott Sanderson, who was released Tuesday by the Angels. “We discussed it,” La Russa said, “but we came to no conclusions.” . . . The Toronto Blue Jays have had extensive trade talks with the Athletics in an attempt to acquire Rickey Henderson before Saturday’s trading deadline. . . . The Detroit Tigers, in dire need of middle relief help, have been keeping an eye on Angel reliever Gene Nelson. . . . Angel designated hitter Chili Davis collected $125,000 when he stepped to the plate in the second inning Thursday. It was his 400th plate appearance of the season, giving him $375,000 in incentives this season.