ANGELS : Herzog Likely to Put Perez in Outfield; Infielder Sought

The Angels probably will move third baseman Eduardo Perez to left field for the 1994 season, General Manager Whitey Herzog said Tuesday, with hopes of trading for an infielder during next week’s meeting of general managers in Naples, Fla.

The Angels, who have nearly given up on re-signing left fielder Luis Polonia--and probably will be unable to afford free-agent outfielders Otis Nixon or Tim Raines--decided this would be the best alternative.

Herzog met several times with Yankee General Manager Gene Michael in an attempt to get an infielder--Andy Stankiewicz, Pat Kelly, Mike Gallego or Randy Velarde. If the Angels obtain a second baseman, Herzog said, Damion Easley will move to third.

“Everything considered,” Herzog said, “we’ll probably go that route.”

Perez, who played in only nine of the Angels’ final 21 games because of an inflamed right elbow, underwent arthroscopic exploratory surgery this month. He batted .254 with four homers and 30 RBIs in 48 games. Perez has played sporadically in the outfield the last few years.

“It’s a shame what happened to his arm,” Herzog said, “and we think this might be the best for him.”

Chuck Berry, agent for Polonia and reserve outfielder Stan Javier, said his clients will file for free agency by week’s end. Polonia is seeking a three-year, $9 million contract.

The Angels also placed infielder Kurt Stillwell on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. He batted .262 with three RBIs for the Angels in 22 games, missing the final three weeks because of a groin pull.

In other news, the Angels acquired minor league reliever Mike James from the Dodgers for minor league outfielder Reggie Williams. James, 26, was 3-3 with seven saves and a 5.79 ERA, splitting time between triple-A Albuquerque and Class-A Vero Beach. Williams, 27, batted .274 with two homers, 53 RBIs and 50 stolen bases at triple-A Vancouver.