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It’s a Done Deal: Bo Jackson’s an Angel

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

The Angels made it official Sunday, announcing a contract agreement with Bo Jackson.

The American League’s comeback player of the year in 1993 will have his artificial hip examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum this morning and later attend an Anaheim Stadium news conference.

Jackson, providing he passes the physical, will receive a major league contract for $1 million, with incentives that can take it to about $2 million. He will receive about $475,000 if he is released before opening day, but his attorney, Arn Tellem, said: “From all our discussions (with the Angels), he’ll be on the team.”

Jackson was paid $2.41 million in salary and bonuses by the Chicago White Sox when he returned from almost two years of inactivity stemming from the hip injury and subsequent surgery to hit .232 with 16 homers and 45 runs batted in 85 games. He was 0 for 10 with six strikeouts in the AL playoffs and left the White Sox as a free agent when he rejected their offer of arbitration.

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Bill Bavasi, Angel general manager, said Jackson’s acquisition strengthens the outfield depth and provides both competition for left fielder Eduardo Perez and insurance if Perez is not 100% after elbow surgery.

“We want to be in position to make some possible (trade) moves in spring training,” Bavasi said of the need to improve the outfield depth. He added that he will continue to scan the free agent list and is believed to have interest in Dwight Smith, Lonnie Smith and/or Ivan Calderon.

“If we can fill some holes without going out on a financial limb (we’ll do it),” he said, also confirming that he continues to hold contract talks with Jeff Moorad, the agent for free-agent relief pitcher Gregg Olson.

“We’re still in there, still alive,” he said of the Olson talks. “For how long I don’t know.”

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