Langston Inspired by Kings’ Granato

Mark Langston marvels at the resiliency of his good friend, Tony Granato of the Kings. A few days before Granato was to have brain surgery last week, Langston called to offer best wishes.

“I knew he had the blood clot and was going in for surgery,” Langston said. “His big concern was how I was doing, how the team was doing. I said, ‘I didn’t call to talk about me.’ ”

Langston is a big hockey fan and a frequent visitor to the Kings’ dressing room during the winter. He struck up an instant friendship with Granato at their first meeting several years ago.

“Once you meet him, it’s all over,” Langston said. “He’s an unbelievable guy.”

Granato visits the Angel clubhouse when he can or when they play in his native Chicago. Through Langston, he also has become friends with several other Angels, including Jim Abbott and Rex Hudler.

“He’s a big part of this team, too,” Langston said. “A lot of people here were concerned about him.”

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The Angels met with a consultant from the Walt Disney Co. to discuss ways to better market the club, something that’s been lacking the past.

Disney’s Joel Curran spoke with players, the coaching staff and front office personnel after Friday’s workout, seeking input and also explaining how things might change when the entertainment giant assumes control.

The Mighty Ducks, Disney’s first sports franchise, are renowned for their devotion to marketing, and sales of their merchandise is tops in the NHL.

Disney evidently hopes to toughen the Angel imagine. T-shirts with the message, “California Angels We play hardball,” were passed out to the players.

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Center fielder Jim Edmonds has been nursing a strained right hamstring. He said he injured it while weightlifting over the winter. . . . Right-hander Steve Ontiveros, sidelined by a pulled quadriceps muscle, said he expects to resume workouts by Sunday. . . . Manager Marcel Lachemann said pitcher Scott Sanderson, who did not throw because of a stiff back Thursday, was much improved Friday and is expected to return to his normal schedule today. Sanderson, vying for the fifth starter’s spot in the rotation, underwent back surgery last year, missing most of the season. . . . Designated hitter Chili Davis remains the only player who hasn’t reported to camp.