Velarde Nears 3-Year Deal With Angels

Free-agent infielder Randy Velarde is close to signing a three-year contract with the Angels that would pay him $800,000 a year.

Velarde, who has played his entire nine-year career with the New York Yankees, said he thought the deal would be completed Tuesday, “but there was a minor kink in the contract that we’re going to go over [Tuesday night].”

The versatile 33-year-old, who batted .278 with 19 doubles, seven homers and 46 runs batted in last season, said he expects to sign with the Angels today, “unless something goes 180 degrees.”

Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi confirmed that the team is interested in Velarde but would not comment on negotiations.