BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Davis Close to a New Deal

Designated hitter Chili Davis is close to signing a two-year contract that will guarantee him between $4.5 million and $4.9 million, according to sources close to the negotiations.

Davis, who has driven in a career-high 102 runs this season, was scheduled to meet after Friday’s game with agent Tom Reich to discuss the contract proposals.

“I think this ballclub has the opportunity to be a pretty good club,” Davis said, “and I want to be a part of it. I’ve been through the bad years, and now I’d like to go through the good years.”

The Angels have an option on Davis’ contract next season for $2.4 million plus $650,000 in incentives.

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Dennis Gilbert, the agent for pitcher Joe Magrane, said he hopes to have substantial contracts talks today with Vice President Whitey Herzog. Gilbert is expected to propose three- and four-year contracts that would average in excess of $2.5 million a year. Magrane, who will be a free agent, is 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA since joining the Angels last month. . . . Rookie first baseman J.T. Snow, who entered Friday’s game hitting .224, is no lock to return as the starter next season, Manager Buck Rodgers said. “We have to look at first base as a position that J.T. can play and be there,” Rodgers said, “but we may have to start looking around during the spring or winter.”