Angels Gamble on Guerrero : Baseball: Ex-Dodger slugger agrees to triple-A contract after Bo Jackson turns down deal.

The Angels, after learning that Bo Jackson has declined their invitation to rejoin them next season, have decided to gamble on another power-hitter.

Would you believe . . . Pedro Guerrero?

Guerrero, 38, who spent the last two seasons playing for Sioux City, Iowa, of the Northern (Independent) League, has agreed to a triple-A contract.

Although Guerrero’s offer does not include an invitation to the Angels’ major league spring training camp, sources say he could be used as a replacement player if the strike continues into the spring.

“I wouldn’t want to speculate on that,” said Ken Forsch, Angel farm director. “I don’t know if he can still play, to tell you the truth. But I know he can hit, and I know he loves the game.

“He was such an impact player in his time that I think it’d be great for our minor league players to be around him.”

Guerrero, who has not played in the major leagues since 1992, also was being pursued by Al Campanis, former Dodger general manager. Campanis offered Guerrero a contract to join the Palm Springs team of the Western Baseball League.

“Pete thinks the world of Mr. Campanis, but it was a pretty easy choice,” said Denise Guerrero, Pedro’s wife. “Pete really wants to get back to the majors.”

Guerrero, who earned $15.6 million during the last nine years of his major league career, made about $20,000 a year the last two seasons with Sioux City. He spent 12 years in the Dodger organization before being traded Aug. 16, 1988, to St. Louis for pitcher John Tudor.

Guerrero was left without a job the spring of 1993 until signing with Sioux City, playing in a league comprising mainly Class-A and double-A competition. He batted .329 last season in 75 games, with eight homers and 47 runs batted in.

The Angels acknowledge it’s a longshot Guerrero will return to the big leagues, but they still could use a pinch-hitter to replace Jackson. The Angels were willing to offer Jackson a one-year contract for about $500,000, but Jackson said Friday he’s not interested in returning strictly as a pinch-hitter.

Jackson said he is being courted by several teams, including the Cleveland Indians, and has rejected offers from the Japanese League.

Also Friday, free-agent closer Lee Smith made a counter-proposal to the Angels. Brian David, Smith’s agent, and Tim Mead, Angel assistant general manager, said they will negotiate through the weekend.

The Angels even created a spot on their 40-man roster for Smith on Friday by placing reliever Jeff Schwarz on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release.