Sparky Gets Jaws Ready for TV

Former Detroit Manager Sparky Anderson, who makes his debut as a commentator on Angel telecasts tonight, held court with reporters Sunday, speaking on subjects ranging from gardening to broadcasting.

Of his green thumb, Anderson said: “I was over at the Home Depot for two weeks. That guy over there knows me real well by now. I bought 40-some pots and more fertilizer than you can shake a stick at. I’ve got flowers all over the place.”

On visiting Tiger Stadium this year: “I would never go there unless it was some kind of thing [ceremony to honor him]. I would not like to go there this year. I wouldn’t want to infringe on Buddy [Bell, new Detroit manager].”

On shedding the pressure of managing in the major leagues: “I love baseball. I love to watch it. I think now I’m a good fan. I used to wonder why they went to the games. It’s a good game. It really is.”

On the high team earned-run averages around the majors: “That brought back memories. We led the league in runs scored two, maybe it was three years ago. When other teams are outscoring you and you’re leading the league in runs, that ain’t good.”

On other new pursuits: “I’m writing 30 stories for the Sporting News. You boys read ‘em because you’ll see some good stuff. Some good stuff.”

On a trial run with Prime Sports Sunday: “I told them, ‘If we’ve got to practice we’ve got problems.’ I guess we’ve got problems already.”

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General Manager Bill Bavasi insisted midway through spring training there was no possible way third baseman George Arias would make the big club.

“He is truly the kid who made you keep him,” Bavasi said Saturday. “You’ve got these plans and this kid makes you realize how stupid you are.”

First baseman J.T. Snow has been impressed by the steady play Arias has shown in the field. Snow believes that’s the best way to break into the majors.

“That’s the way Tim [Salmon] did it my rookie year when I got off to such a fast start,” Snow said. “He just quietly went about his business. It’s easier on a [young] player because the expectations aren’t that high.”