Angels Looking to Fill Holes, and Murray Could Be Their Man

The Angels are negotiating with free-agent designated hitter Eddie Murray in hopes of luring him to Anaheim to bolster their offense next season. The Baltimore Orioles say they have no plans to re-sign Murray, 40.

“We have a few options, but he’s one of a few people on the list,” said Tim Mead, Angel assistant general manager. “There are a handful of people we’re talking to.”

The Angels are searching for a first baseman and a designated hitter after trading Gold Glove first baseman J.T. Snow to the San Francisco Giants and designated hitter Chili Davis to the Kansas City Royals earlier this off-season.

Murray joined the Orioles for his second stint in Baltimore after a July 21 trade with the Cleveland Indians. He helped lead the Orioles to their first playoff appearance since 1983 and to an upset victory over the Indians in their division series. Murray batted .260 with 22 home runs and 79 runs batted in.

He also hit his 500th home run on Sept. 6 at Camden Yards, one year to the day after Cal Ripken Jr. passed Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games. Murray, a Dodger from 1989 to ‘91, joined Hank Aaron and Willie Mays as the only players to hit 500 home runs and compile 3,000 hits.