Anderson Signs 3-Year Deal

Left fielder Garret Anderson agreed to a new three-year, $4-million contract with a club option on a fourth season. With incentives, the deal could be worth as much as $7.75 million over four years.

Anderson, 24, will be paid $500,000 this season, $1.4 million in 1998 and $2.1 million in 1999. He will earn $3.25 million if the Angels pick up their option in 2000.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a big relief, but I’m happy,” said Anderson, who made $250,000 last season. “It was always my intention to find something I could live with. I don’t have to worry about anything now. I can just go out and play.”

Anderson batted .285 with 12 home runs and 72 runs batted in last season.

The Angels also signed first baseman Darin Erstad and pitcher Dennis Springer to one-year deals.

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Left-hander Chuck Finley, suffering from a sore shoulder since Feb. 18, is scheduled to make his first start of the spring today against Seattle. . . . The Angels fell to 0-8 with a 10-0 loss to the San Diego Padres at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Allen Watson started for the Angels and gave up four runs on five hits in three innings.