Angel Players Queried About Exhibitions

Peter Bavasi, the Angels’ general manager, distributed a one-page questionnaire to players after practice Saturday, asking if they would be willing to participate in exhibition games and, in effect, be labeled as strikebreakers.

Players have until this afternoon to return the questionnaire, but a team official said many of the 49 in camp had already done so before heading back to the clubhouse.

The Angels open their exhibition season against Arizona State on Wednesday night in Tempe. Team officials expect all but a few players to cross a figurative picket line.

“The ultimatum has come,” said pitcher Tony Fetchel, who played at Warren High and Cal State Fullerton. “The time for the decision is now. You can’t run from it anymore.”

Those who agree to be replacement players will move from Mesa to Tempe on Wednesday for the start of what will be considered major league camp. Their per diem will jump from $53 to $78, and those who make the final 32-man roster will receive a $5,000 bonus and a salary of $115,000, $20,000 of which will be guaranteed.

Though Bavasi told players they wouldn’t automatically be released if they chose not to be replacements, it was made clear that such a decision would greatly reduce their chances of making an Angel minor league team.