Angels, Dodgers Pursuing Yankee Free-Agent Velarde

The Angels and Dodgers are pursuing Yankee free-agent Randy Velarde, and the feelings appear to be mutual. The highly versatile and extremely affordable player lists the Angels and Dodgers among his four finalists for 1996.

“There’s a lot of interest in Randy, but he’s only interested in the Angels, Dodgers, Yankees and Phillies,” said Adam Katz, Velarde’s agent. “He’s very excited about the prospect of being an Angel, and the money we’re looking for is really quite reasonable. Someone’s going to get a bargain with this guy.”

Velarde, who hit .278 with 19 doubles, seven homers and 46 runs batted in last season, made $500,000 in 1995--$350,000 in salary and $150,000 in incentives. Katz wouldn’t reveal Velarde’s asking price, but it’s believed to be about $1 million, which would likely fit into Angel and Dodger budgets.

The Angels might have a hole at third base, with the likely departure of free-agent Tony Phillips, who made $3.5 million last season, and the Dodgers are looking to replace free-agent third baseman Tim Wallach ($1.5 million).

The Angels, not thrilled with Damion Easley’s lack of production, also could play Velarde, 33, at second, his best position. And if Phillips leaves, Velarde and his .375 on-base percentage could be an attractive alternative in the leadoff spot.

Katz said discussions with the Angels “are not moving at a high rate of speed, but they’re moving along.” Clubs are not expected to sign free agents until after Dec. 7, the final day teams can offer salary arbitration to their players who became free agents.

Teams who offer free agents arbitration, and then lose them, are eligible for compensation. The Angels, for instance, would have to give the Yankees a first-round pick if they sign Velarde, because he is a category-B free agent.

The re-signing of free-agent pitchers Chuck Finley and Jim Abbott and the acquisition of a right-handed starter remain the Angels’ top priorities. Team sources indicate Chicago Cub pitcher Jamie Navarro and Kansas City pitcher Mark Gubicza are high on the Angels’ list.

Besides Velarde, the Angels also are expected to pursue free-agent catchers Benito Santiago of the Cincinnati Reds and Joe Oliver of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Phillips, 36, finished ’95 with a .261 average, 27 homers, 119 runs and 61 RBIs but slumped terribly in August and September, hitting .192 with 16 RBIs, 68 strikeouts and 41 walks.

Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi said he would like to have Phillips back.

“But I’m not sure if they want me back,” Phillips said. “Their first priority is Finley, then Abbott, and I don’t see Tony Phillips in that list.”