BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : Wallach Takes Demotion Well

From his early days at University High, Saddleback College and Cal State Fullerton to his distinguished 15-year career with the Montreal Expos and Dodgers, Tim Wallach has always been a starter.

But when Angel Manager Marcel Lachemann told Wallach that rookie George Arias had won the starting third base job, the five-time all-star handled the demotion with dignity and class.

“George had a heck of a camp--he opened a lot of eyes, including mine,” said Wallach, who had a fair spring (.409) himself. “He’s going to be a very good player, and I’m going to help any way I can. Of course, I’d like to be playing, but I came here because this team has a chance to win, and that’s why I’m going to stay.”

Lachemann tends to favor veterans in personnel decisions, but there was overwhelming support for Arias among Angel scouts and front-office executives, who were concerned that Wallach, 38, wasn’t quick enough or durable enough to last long at the position.

But Lachemann said Wallach, who played much of Wednesday’s game against Oakland at first base, will almost certainly make the team as a reserve.

“There are some who don’t think Wallach can help our club win,” Lachemann said, “but I think he can.”

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Those multiyear deals for first baseman J.T. Snow, outfielder Jim Edmonds and reliever Troy Percival, thought to be dead when the Walt Disney Co.’s bid to buy the Angels fell through in mid-March, have sprung back to life.

Talks between the Angels and agents for the players have heated up this week, and Paul Cohen, who represents Edmonds and Percival, said he “would be shocked” if the pacts aren’t signed by opening day.

Edmonds had agreed to terms on a four-year, $9.5-million deal with an option year, Snow to a three-year, $6-million deal with an option year, and Percival to a four-year, $4-million deal with two option years.

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This might be a first: Infielder Damion Easley was a last-minute scratch Wednesday because of a fertilizer-related injury. Easley was stretching in the outfield before the game and began to feel an irritation after rubbing his right eye.

A chemical from the grass apparently stuck on Easley’s fingers and was then rubbed into his eye, which began swelling. Easley was treated with eyedrops and said he felt fine after the game.