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 sparked speculation 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, 25. VanLandingham, a right-hander, was told by 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 season--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.

*

Manager Marcel Lachemann says there is absolutely no question Tim Salmon has deserved All-Star recognition the last four years, but Salmon wasn’t really disappointed when he found out he was left off the squad again.

Salmon, who had 21 homers and 55 runs batted in before Tuesday night’s game, doesn’t mind missing this year because his wife, Marci, is expecting the couple’s second child. She’s not due until July 21, but their first child, Callie, was three weeks early and the Angels have four road games before the All-Star break and seven after it.

*

Troy Percival, who has punctuated some key strikeouts with fist-pumping celebrations that have angered opponents, probably won’t be the most popular player in the American League clubhouse during the All-Star game. But at least the feeling will be mutual. “I’m not much on associating with opposing hitters,” he said, “so I’m not going to be running around the locker room asking for autographs, I can tell you that.”