Players’ Concerns Stay With On-Field Matters

News that Disney and the city of Anaheim had agreed on a stadium renovation plan that paves the way for the entertainment giant’s purchase of the Angels spread through the clubhouse Wednesday like honey spilled in a freezer.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t have a reaction,” designated hitter Chili Davis said. “I don’t have any expectations, because expectations lead to disappointments. I don’t even think about it.

“Their job is up there and mine is down here on the field trying to hit little white baseballs.”

Right fielder Tim Salmon said he hasn’t had the time to explore the nuances of the negotiations or the ramifications.

“I only follow that stuff in the off-season,” he said, smiling. “I’ve got better, well at least bigger, things to worry about. All of my mental energies are focused on playing right now.”

Chuck Finley, the player General Manager Bill Bavasi called “Mr. Angel” in January, when Finley signed a contract that could be worth $18 million over the next four years, doesn’t expect the ownership change to be noticeable to the players.

“I don’t think it will trickle down here,” he said. “It’s not like we’re flying on prop jobs and now they’re going to get us jets. I don’t think many of the players know much about the financial aspects of running a team or really care.”

Three Angels, however, had more than a passing interest that piqued on Wednesday. Center fielder Jim Edmonds, first baseman J.T. Snow and reliever Troy Percival signed multi-year contracts that will make them millionaires because of the understanding between the city and Disney.

“You don’t need a crystal ball to see how bright the future is for this organization,” utility player Rex Hudler said. “They’ve got the young guys locked up for a while, the fan base is there and Disney is the best there is at marketing.”

Finley, however, feels more than just a twinge of remorse about the passing of an era as Gene Autry steps down from his role as patriarch of the organization he began in 1960 as an expansion team.

“I guess Mr. Autry felt it was time to take a step back and we should all be glad that he decided to sell to a corporation like Disney that has such a positive track record,” said Finley, who has been an Angel every day of his 11 years in professional baseball.

“No one could have asked for a better owner. I don’t think Mr. Autry particularly likes basketball or football or hockey. This is his game. He loves it. And these guys in this clubhouse are his family, and he loves them.”

The power of love couldn’t raise the $100 million to refurbish Anaheim Stadium, but Disney and the Anaheim City Council agreed on a plan that Tony Tavares, president of Disney Sports Enterprises, said will “ensure a guest experience which we will be proud to associate with our name.”

It also will mean an open, baseball-only venue with a view of something other than empty seats in center field.

Davis, in his 16th major league season, may never get a chance to slug a fastball over the fence of a reconfigured Big A, but he thinks the design is a good idea.

“It should look really nice,” he said. “And when they take all the people who sit out there now--all three of them--and move them over, it will make the crowds look bigger.”

That dose of perspective may not be what Disney officials expected so early in the honeymoon, but Davis had no time to wrap himself in warm, wholesome, family-oriented excitement. Other pressing matters required his attention.

The little white baseball beckoned.