Angels Open Talks With Harkey

The Angels opened negotiations with free-agent starting pitcher Mike Harkey and are scheduled to meet Thursday, when they are expected to offer a one-year contract with incentives worth about $1 million.

Harkey, who lives in Chino Hills and attended Cal State Fullerton, was 10-10 with a 5.26 ERA last season for the Chicago Cubs. Harkey became a free agent two weeks ago when the Cubs did not tender him a contract.

The Angels’ biggest obstacle will be persuading Harkey, 27, that he would benefit more pitching in Anaheim than for Colorado. The Rockies have offered Harkey a one-year contract for about $600,000 plus about $300,000 in incentives.

Although the Angels are willing to offer more money--and unlike the Rockies are not insisting on an option year--Harkey has expressed his desire to be reunited with Rockie catcher Joe Girardi and trainer Dave Cilladi, who were with him in Chicago.

The Angels also engaged in talks once again with Steve Comte, the agent for left-handed reliever Steve Frey. Neither side compromised, however.

There have been teams who have expressed interest in Frey, according to Comte, including at least one offer that exceeds the Angels’ two-year offer in excess of $1.6 million.