Angels Sign Hudler for Two Years

Rex Hudler, who was unemployed nine months ago and wondering if he’d ever return to the major leagues, signed a two-year, $600,000 contract Monday with the Angels.

Hudler, the Angels’ top utilityman last season, will be paid a base salary of $300,000 in 1995 and 1996. He also is eligible to earn an additional $100,000 in incentives each season for reaching 300 plate appearances.

“I can’t believe how great everything has turned out for me,” said Hudler, who was an unrestricted free agent. “The only reason I even wanted to leave the Angels was so I could have a chance to go to the big dance, but the two-year contract made me turn my head.”

Hudler, who batted .298 with eight homers and 20 runs batted in in 124 at-bats last season, also received one-year contract offers from the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. The Dodgers expressed interest but never made an offer.

“I wanted to go back to the National League, but once (hitting coach) Rod Carew signed back with the Angels, I changed my mind,” Hudler said. “I learned more in a short season from Rod than I ever did in my whole career.

“He’s the greatest.”

Hudler, 34, who was released from San Francisco and wasn’t picked up until March 28 by the Angels, also said he has no intentions of crossing the picket line if replacement players are used in spring training.

“I owe a lot to the Angels, and especially to (former Manager) Buck Rodgers for giving me the opportunity,” Hudler said. “But there’s no way I’ll cross. They could have given me $15 million, and I still wouldn’t cross.”

Also Monday, the Angels made some money to help pay for Hudler’s contract by acquiring shortstop Thomas Perez in the Rule 5 draft, and selling him to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Angels also sold reliever Jeff Schwarz to the Japanese League.