BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Erstad Still Figures in Lachemann’s Plans

When Jim Edmonds comes off the disabled list--the center fielder could be ready this week--he will not replace Darin Erstad on the roster. Manager Marcel Lachemann made that clear Tuesday.

Lachemann, however, would not specify how he will use Edmonds, Erstad, Garret Anderson and Tim Salmon in the outfield, assuming baseball doesn’t add a “rover” position this week.

“I have three different plans,” Lachemann said, “and I doubt I’ll keep everyone happy with any of them.”

But Erstad, who has impressed the Angels with his .322 average and speed from the leadoff spot and his solid defense, remains with the team under all of Lachemann’s scenarios.

Lachemann also said he would only keep Erstad in Anaheim if the rookie could play at least five games a week, which means Salmon, Anderson--and designated hitter Chili Davis--will have more days off, and that Edmonds might play some first base.

“If everyone wants to win they’ve got to realize the only way to do it is to sit down every now and then,” Lachemann said. “As long as people are involved and the team has success, it won’t be a problem. Problems only arise when you’re losing and things aren’t going well.”

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One solution to the outfield dilemma would be to trade Anderson for a starting pitcher, which is possible but not likely. Many teams have expressed interest in Anderson, but most aren’t willing to part with young, top-notch starting pitchers.

Numerous trade rumors have surfaced, but Anderson ignores them. “It bothered me at the beginning of the season, but I’ve gotten over it now,” Anderson said. “It’s no big deal. It’s just part of the game.”

Still, Anderson has trouble envisioning all four outfielders sharing time.

“I don’t know if it’s going to fly--I don’t know how they’re going to do it,” Anderson said. “But they’ve gotten rid of a lot of good players around here, and I don’t think they want to do it again.”

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Another day, another Angel on the disabled list. Tuesday it was catcher Don Slaught, who was put on the 15-day disabled list because of back spasms, marking the third time in three days--and 19th this season--the Angels have used the disabled list.

Rookie George Arias was recalled from triple-A Vancouver to replace Slaught, and Lachemann said Arias will play the majority of games at third base, meaning Tim Wallach’s days as an Angel could be numbered.

Arias was the team’s opening-day starter, making the jump from double-A to the major leagues because of his .388 spring-training performance. But he batted .184 with the Angels and was sent back to the minors May 10.

“Making that big jump was kind of scary,” Arias said. “You’re a little more timid, you’re more excited because you’re fulfilling a dream, but you’re not focused on what you should be doing. I wasn’t prepared--it was that simple. This time I feel more comfortable.”