BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Royal Scout Mourned by Jackson

Angel left fielder Bo Jackson was stunned and saddened Monday when he learned that Ken Gonzalez--the scout who persuaded the Kansas City Royals to draft Jackson in 1986 when no one believed he would play baseball--died of an apparent heart attack.

“He’s the main reason I even played baseball in Kansas City,” Jackson said. “He talked to me and my mom, and invited us to Kansas City. He asked me if I was serious about playing baseball. I told him I was. The rest is history.

“I’m telling you, baseball lost a good man and a good scout.

“He’s scouting for the ultimate boss now.”

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Jackson gave a party for the batboys and equipment managers at his home on the Angels’ off-day last Thursday. It was the first party given exclusively for them since they have worked for the Angels, they said.

Jackson cooked 13 chickens, two slabs of ribs, corn on the cob and corn bread.

“I just wanted to show them how much they’re appreciated,” Jackson said. “They do an awful lot for us that nobody realizes.”

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Pitcher John Farrell was placed on irrevocable waivers to make room for starter Brian Anderson. Anderson will be activated from the disabled list before tonight’s game against the Minnesota Twins. The Angels invited Farrell to rejoin their triple-A Vancouver team, but Farrell is waiting to see if he is claimed by Thursday. . . . Starter Mark Langston, who had to leave after four innings because of a stiff left elbow in his last start, played soft toss Sunday and said Monday that he will be able to start Wednesday.

Jackson has been undergoing rehabilitative therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding his artificial left hip, but he still is able to pinch-hit. . . . Second baseman Rex Hudler had to stop throwing after two attempts Monday afternoon, and anticipates having to remain on the disabled list for at least another two weeks. . . . Reliever Scott Lewis, who is on the disabled list, threw on the side for the first time in three weeks.