BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : Davis Won’t Follow Phillips’ Lead--Yet

The sudden retirement of his friend and former teammate, Tony Phillips, didn’t give Angel designated hitter Chili Davis any ideas about following suit.

But Davis did say that when his contract expires after the 1997 season, “I’m going to walk away from the game.” Davis, 36, had entertained thoughts of playing for the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks in 1998 but said his priorities have changed.

“I’m going to play as hard as I can for two more years, but after that, I have people, family, that I want to spend more time with. I’m not going to slack off because of that. If anything, it will make me play harder, because I want these to be the best two years of my career.”

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Four reporters were at his locker, and infielder Rex Hudler couldn’t wait to talk about his day, which included two home runs, one a grand slam--against relief ace Troy Percival, no less--a run-scoring double and a stolen base in the Angels’ intrasquad game.

“Man, I’m not gonna be able to sleep tonight,” the hyperactive utility player said. “I had a blast. Call me Mr. February if you want, but I have a team to make and can’t waste a day. I don’t care if there’s two people in the stands or 20,000. . . “

“Hud,” shortstop Gary DiSarcina interrupted, “they haven’t even asked a question yet.”

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Manager Marcel Lachemann was asked if Hudler, who has a $300,000 guaranteed contract, was in any danger of not making the team. “He’s probably a safer bet than I am,” Lachemann said. . . . Center fielder Jim Edmonds, who had been nursing an injured hamstring, returned to his Diamond Bar home for personal reasons late Monday night but was expected back Tuesday night. . . . The Angels have sold 10,424 season tickets and plan to launch a season-ticket sales “blitz” today. Full-season plans, priced as low as $410 a seat; half-season plans, starting at $205, and quarter-season plans, starting at $105, are available. The Angels’ season opener against Milwaukee April 2 is included in each package.