BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Giant Right-Hander Headed South?

The success of rookie center fielder Darin Erstad and the pending return of center fielder Jim Edmonds from the disabled list has fueled speculation that the Angels might trade an outfielder for a starting pitcher. And the latest name to surface is San Francisco’s William VanLandingham.

The Giants recently contacted the Angels about acquiring an outfielder, according to an Angel source, and San Francisco has been shopping VanLandingham. The 25-year-old right-hander was told by a member of the Giant organization that he might be traded for Angel outfielder Garret Anderson, according to a source close to VanLandingham.

Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi called it a “stupid rumor,” and Giant officials also denied a deal was being discussed. But Chris Arnold, agent for both VanLandingham and Anderson, said negotiations about his clients’ contracts--both of which expire this year--have come to a standstill.

VanLandingham, who is 4-9 with a 6.03 earned-run average this season, was 14-5 during his first two seasons with the Giants.