Smith Needs More Time to Give Angels Answer

Free-agent closer Lee Smith, acknowledging Thursday that he has been offered a two-year, $4.4-million contract by the Angels, informed the club that he needs more time before making a decision.

Although the Angels are pressing Smith for a decision--even Manager Marcel Lachemann telephoned Smith--Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi said they will not impose a deadline.

“We understand he’s not ready yet,” Bavasi said, “but that doesn’t mean we have all of our eggs in Lee Smith’s basket, either. We’re going to continue to look for a closer. And if we find one, so be it.”

The Angels are not close to making a trade, Bavasi said, but a few interesting scenarios have arisen the past few days.

The Texas Rangers, according to two highly placed sources, have offered designated hitter Jose Canseco to the Angels for left-handed starter Chuck Finley. The Angels rejected the offer. The Rangers say they will continue talks with Boston, and one other American League club, in an attempt to trade Canseco.

Also, the St. Louis Cardinals have informed the Angels they are interested in trading for Finley. They’re willing to trade outfielder Mark Whiten and third baseman Todd Zeile for Finley, according to one official, but talks are on hold. Although the Angels would like to trade Finley or center fielder Chad Curtis because of budget constraints if they sign Smith, they would prefer trading Curtis.