Angels Say Farewell to 3 Free Agents : Baseball: Team will not offer arbitration to Polonia, Javier or Gonzales.

The Angels, hampered by their self-imposed salary cap, said goodby Tuesday to outfielders Luis Polonia and Stan Javier, and infielder Rene Gonzales.

The Angels refused to offer arbitration to the three free agents, and now are prohibited from negotiating with them until May 1.

“I don’t know whether I’m right or wrong,” Angel General Manager Whitey Herzog said, “but I know the trend of baseball, and we simply couldn’t afford to pay them. I know they feel they’re getting cheated, but I don’t see anyone jumping on their bandwagon.”

Polonia, who has spent the last four years with the Angels as their leadoff hitter, was seeking a three-year, $9-million contract. Yet, when the Angels decided to move third baseman Eduardo Perez to left field, Polonia became expendable.

“They never did make an offer,” said Chuck Berry, Polonia’s agent. “I understand (Herzog’s) hands are somewhat tied as far as money goes, but it’s a shame because Luis really wanted to play there.”

The Angels offered salary cuts to Javier and Gonzales that were rejected. Each made $600,000 last season. Javier agreed Tuesday to a $1.2-million, two-year contract with Oakland. It’s possible Gonzales could rejoin Baltimore.

“Whitey doesn’t have any choice but to look for bargain-basement guys, not with that budget,” said Berry, who also represents Javier.

The Angels’ player budget is expected to be about $22 million in 1994, and that includes the $3 million owed to former third baseman Gary Gaetti. They already are committed to paying $10.65 million in base salaries to pitchers Chuck Finley, Mark Langston, Joe Magrane and designated hitter Chili Davis.

Herzog continues to pursue a veteran infielder, a left-handed reliever, and perhaps a fifth starter. He says he’s not interested in free agent stopper Lee Smith.

“We’ll get it done,” Herzog said. “People say we’re moving slowly, but hey, the season doesn’t start until April.”