Arias Learning the Hard Way

George Arias hit 30 home runs and made 29 errors at double-A Midland last season, and the knock on him was that, although his bat might be major league material, he may not have the defensive skills to make it as a third baseman.

So what happens when Arias reaches the big leagues this season? He makes like Brooks Robinson with the glove and Rafael Belliard with the bat.

Arias has been way above average on defense, making several spectacular plays and only eight errors in 70 games. Yet he has struggled at the plate, batting .233 with five homers and 24 runs batted in. He has 44 strikeouts, 15 walks and a .283 on-base percentage.

Arias has been working extensively with batting instructor Rod Carew but has still not made the necessary adjustments.

“My biggest concern is I’ve been giving away at-bats,” Arias said. “A fork ball bounces six feet in front of the plate and I swing. I need to be patient, trust myself. I need to learn what I can and can’t do.

“It’s a matter of being comfortable, and that’s going to take time . . . but I’m lucky I’m still here. Another organization would have probably sent me home by now.”

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Center fielder Jim Edmonds apologized to Manager Joe Maddon for his critical remarks after Monday’s 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians. “In the heat of the moment guys sometimes say things,” Maddon said. “I don’t take issue with that.” . . . It now appears former Angel Brian Anderson, not Albie Lopez, will start Thursday for the Indians. . . . Second baseman Randy Velarde (back spasms) and reliever Chuck McElroy (tender shoulder) were unavailable Tuesday, but Velarde hopes to return tonight. McElroy will be sidelined several days. . . . Right fielder Tim Salmon was given Tuesday night off. . . . The Angels had gone four games without giving up a home run until Cleveland’s Kenny Lofton homered Tuesday, the ninth time in his career he has led off a game with a home run.