BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Lachemann Makes Grahe Closer Again

The hiring of Lachemann immediately has created speculation that left-handed starter Jim Abbott could be returning to the Angels.

Abbott, who’s eligible for free agency after the season, practically worships Lachemann, and has told friends that returning to Anaheim has become an attractive alternative. The Detroit Tigers still are considered the front-runner for Abbott’s services, but the Angels are expected to make a bid for him.

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The Kansas City Royals might have the best bargain in baseball at third base with Gary Gaetti, who began the game batting .308 with six homers and a team-high 30 runs batted in. The Royals are paying Gaetti only $109,000, while the Angels are picking up the remainder of his $3-million contract.