ANAHEIM ANGELS: THE PLAYERS

Major League service represented in years and days

PLAYER: Jim Abbott, #24 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 210

Birthday: 9/19/67

ML Service: 7.164

1996: Led league in losses (18) and had 11-game losing streak May 7-Aug. 10, longest of his career. Made first appearance in minor leagues with Vancouver, where he was 0-2 with a 3.41 ERA from Aug. 14-Sept. 2.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 2-18 7.48 27 1 0 142 171 118 78 58

*--*

CAREER DATA: Threw no-hitter for Yankees on Sept. 4, 1993, defeating Indians, 4-0. Pitched seven-hitter in gold-medal game of 1988 Olympics as the United States defeated Japan, 5-3.

PLAYER: Luis Alicea, #5 INFIELDER

Bats: S

Throws: R

Ht: 5-9

Wt: 176

Birthday: 7/29/65

ML Service: 6.055

1996: Cardinals’ everyday second baseman last season. Led league second basemen with 24 errors. Established a career high for doubles. Batting average dipped for the third consecutive season, however.

With the Cardinals:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .258 129 380 54 98 26 3 5 42 11

*--*

CAREER DATA: Dependable major league infielder for St. Louis and Boston. The Angels got him for almost nothing, signing him to a minor-league contract. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Garret Anderson, #16 OUTFIELDER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 190

Birthday: 6/30/72

ML Service: 2.049

1996: Slumped significantly after a standout rookie season. Led the Angels in at-bats, hits, doubles, caught stealing (9) and grounding into double plays (22). First Angel to have a six-hit game (Sept. 27 at Texas).

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .285 150 607 79 173 33 2 12 72 7

*--*

CAREER DATA: Easy-going manner led some to compare him to ex-Angel outfielder joggin’ George Hendrick. No one was sure whether that was good or not. Signed through: 1999.

PLAYER: Fausto Cruz, #43 INFIELD

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 5-10

Wt: 165

Birthday: 5/1/72

ML Service: 0.149

1996: Split time between Detroit and triple-A Toledo last season. Was recalled on July 15, hit safely in four consecutive games, then was sent back down. Signed by the Angels as minor league free agent.

With the Detroit:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .237 14 38 5 9 2 0 0 0 0

*--*

CAREER DATA: First major league hit came off Angel pitcher Mark Gubicza, then with Kansas City, in 1994. Had three hits that season, all against the Royals. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Jason Dickson, #19 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: R

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 190

Birthday: 3/30/73

ML Service: 0.040

1996: Made a big jump from minors to the Angels on the strength of a 5-2 record and 3.58 ERA in eight games at double-A Midland and 7-11 record and 3.80 ERA in 18 games, including seven complete, at triple-A Vancouver.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 1 -4 4.57 7 0 0 43 1/3 52 22 18 20

*--*

CAREER DATA: Raced through farm system after he was selected in the sixth round of the ’94 draft from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.; Hails from London, Canada. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Gary DiSarcina, #9 INFIELDER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-2

Wt: 190

Birthday: 11/19/67

ML Service: 5.094

1996: Slumped after a career year in 1995. Batted only .210 with runners in scoring position and .188 with the bases loaded. Led Angels in triples, sacrifice hits (16) and errors (20). Also established a career high in RBIs.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .256 150 536 62 137 26 4 5 48 2

*--*

CAREER DATA: After hitting .307 and being named an All-Star in 1995, appeared destined to be game’s next top shortstop. Angels betting he reverts to form. Signed through: 1999.

PLAYER: Jim Edmonds, #25 OUTFIELDER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 190

Birthday: 6/27/70

ML Service: 3.027 1996: Overcame abdomen, groin and thumb injuries that forced him to the disabled list twice to have another productive power-hitting season. His .304 average was his highest in the majors.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .304 114 431 73 131 28 3 27 66 4

*--*

CAREER DATA: Overnight sensation during Angels’ power burst in 1995. Never hit more than eight home runs in a season as a pro, but has 60 the last two years. Signed through: 1999.

PLAYER: Darin Erstad, #27 INF-OF

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-2

Wt: 210

Birthday: 6/4/74

ML Service: 0.077

1996: Forced the Angels to move him into the lineup with superb showing at spring training and at triple-A Vancouver. He batted .305 with 22 doubles and 41 RBIs in 85 games with Vancouver.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .284 57 208 34 59 5 1 4 20 3

*--*

CAREER DATA: Angels moved him to first base to get bat in lineup. No. 1 draft pick in 1995. Punter on 1994 national champion Nebraska football team. Signed through: 1997:

PLAYER: Jorge Fabregas, #14 CATCHER

Bats: L

Throws: R

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 215

Birthday: 3/13/70

ML Service: 2.032

1996: Batted .309 after the All-Star break. Threw out 24.7% (20 of 81) potential base-stealers, sixth-best in the American League. Shared catching duties with Todd Greene, Pat Borders and Don Slaught.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .287 90 254 18 73 6 0 2 26 0

*--*

CAREER DATA: Has yet to play a full season in the majors without at least a short stay in the minors. Was better defensively after a 10-game stay in the minors. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Chuck Finley, #31 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-6

Wt: 215

Birthday: 11/26/62

ML Service: 10.134

1996: Suffered first losing season since 1992 and only fourth of his career. Sixteen losses were a career high. Won 15 games or more for the sixth time in career. First Angel to record 200 strikeouts since 1986.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 15-16 4.16 35 4 0 238 241 110 94 215

*--*

CAREER DATA: The winningest left-hander in club history with 129 career victories. Is within reach of club record of 138 victories, held by Nolan Ryan. Signed through: 1998.

PLAYER: Craig Grebeck, #4 INFIELDER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 5-7

Wt: 150

Birthday: 12/29/64

ML Service: 7.000

1996: Hooked on with the Florida Marlins after six seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Started 21 games as the Marlins’ second baseman. His .211 average was his lowest in the majors since batting .168 in 1990.

With the Marlins:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .211 50 95 8 20 1 0 1 9 0

*--*

CAREER DATA: Best season was 1991 when he hit .281 with six homers and 31 RBIs in 107 games for the White Sox. Brother, Brian, played in organization. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Todd Greene, #8 CATCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 5-10

Wt: 200

Birthday: 5/8/71

ML Service: 0.064

1996: Continued to improve defensively in the minors, enough to get a call-up from the Angels for 29 games. Batted .305 at triple-A Vancouver after undergoing hand surgery that sidelined him in April and May.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .190 29 79 9 15 1 0 2 9 2

*--*

CAREER DATA: Northwest League MVP at Class A Boise in 1993. Hit 40 homers in 1995, first since since Danny Tartabull in 1985 to hit that many in the minors. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Mark Gubicza, #23 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-5

Wt: 230

Birthday: 8/14/62

ML Service: 13.000

1996: Suffered a broken left leg July 5 when hit by a line drive by Minnesota’s Paul Molitor. Missed the remainder of Kansas City’s season. It was the third time in the 1990s that he’s had a season-ending injury.

With the Royals:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 4-12 5.13 19 2 0 119 1/3 132 68 34 55

*--*

CAREER DATA: Won a career-high 20 games in 1988. Had something of a career revival in 1995, going 12-14 with a 3.75 ERA in a league-leading 33 starts. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Pep Harris, #48 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-2

Wt: 185

Birthday: 9/23/72

ML Service: 0.047

1996: Acquired from Cleveland in the Brian Anderson deal. Made his major league debut Aug. 14 against the Indians, replacing Jim Abbott, who was optioned to triple-A Vancouver. Now that’s trivia, folks.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 2-0 3.90 11 0 0 32 1/3 31 14 17 20

*--*

CAREER DATA: Rushed up to the big leagues to bolster the Angels’ poor staff. A 9-3 record and 4.56 ERA in 18 starts at triple-A Vancouver got him noticed. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Shigetoshi Hasegawa, #21 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 5-11

Wt: 160

Birthday: 8/1/68

ML Service: 0.000

1996: Signed by the Angels as a free agent Jan. 9 after spending six seasons pitching for the Orix Blue Wave of the Japanese Pacific League. Slumped badly after matching career high of 12 victories in 1995.

With the Blue Wave:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 4-6 5.34 18 2 1 87 2/3 109 52 40 55

*--*

CAREER DATA: Too bad his pitches aren’t as sharp as his personality. Says he learned to speak English from watching American movies on TV. Really. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Dave Hollins, #10 INFIELDER

Bats: S

Throws: R

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 210

Birthday: 5/25/66

ML Service: 6.104

1996: Minnesota’s opening-day first baseman. Batted .242 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs in 121 games for the Twins. Traded to Seattle Aug. 29. Hit .351 with three homers and 25 RBIs in 28 games for the Mariners.

With the Twins and Mariners:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .262 149 516 88 135 29 0 16 78 6

*--*

CAREER DATA: Noted for hard-nosed approach to the game. So tough he lives near Buffalo in the off-season. Signed to give the Angels more fire. Signed through: 1998.

PLAYER: Mike Holtz, #65 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 5-9

Wt: 175

Birthday: 10/10/72

ML Service: 0.081

1996: Promoted from double-A Midland after going 1-2 with a 4.17 ERA in 33 appearances. Made an immediate impact in the bullpen by recording 14 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings, tops among Angel relievers last season.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 3-3 2.45 30 0 0 29 1/3 21 8 19 31

*--*

CAREER DATA: Earned promotion by appearing in a California League-high 56 games with Class-A Lake Elsinore in 1995. Played at Clemson. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Jack Howell, #32 INFIELDER

Bats: L

Throws: R

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 190

Birthday: 8/18/61

ML Service: 7.008

1996: Returned to the Angels after spending four seasons playing with Yakault Swallows and Yomiuri Giants in the Japanese Central League. His .270 batting average was his highest in the major leagues since 1986.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .270 66 126 20 34 4 1 8 21 3

*--*

CAREER DATA: Originally signed as a free agent by Angels in 1983. Also played briefly for San Diego Padres in 1991 before opting to play in Japan. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Mike James, #46 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 185

Birthday: 8/15/67

ML Service: 2.000

1996: Moved into set-up role in bullpen after Lee Smith was traded to Cincinnati and Troy Percival took on closer’s job. Led Angel relievers in appearances. Had sixth-best ERA by American League reliever.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 5 -5 2.67 69 0 1 81 62 24 42 65

*--*

CAREER DATA: Big off-season move was to get his tongue pierced. Believed to be the major league’s only set-up man with a pierced tongue. No lie. Signed through: 1999.

PLAYER: Mark Langston, #12 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-2

Wt: 185

Birthday: 8/20/60

ML Service: 13.000

1996: Had three stints on the disabled list after going to the list only twice in previous 12 seasons. Failed to record 100 strikeouts for the first time in 11 seasons. Failed to win Gold Glove award for first time since 1990.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 6 -5 4.82 18 2 0 123 1/3 116 66 45 83

*--*

CAREER DATA: Recovered from last season’s knee ailments. Also got musician friend Bruce Hornsby into spring training game as pinch-runner. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Jim Leyritz, #13 CATCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 195

Birthday: 12/27/63

ML Service: 6.006

1996: Hit dramatic three-run homer to rally the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series against the Braves. Played 50 games at catcher, 10 at third base, 10 as designated hitter and two in left field.

With the Yankees:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .264 88 265 23 70 10 0 7 40 2

*--*

CAREER DATA: Versatile performer for Yankees. Acquired Dec. 5 for two minor league players. Expected to catch and perhaps fill in at first base and DH. Signed through: 1998.

PLAYER: Chuck McElroy, #17 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 195

Birthday: 10/1/67

ML Service: 6.073

1996: Acquired in the trade that sent all-time saves leader Lee Smith to Cincinnati. Just what the bullpen needed--a dependable left-handed middle reliever. Won three straight against Royals June 10-12.

With the Reds and Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 7 -1 3.86 52 0 0 49 45 21 23 45

*--*

CAREER DATA: One of baseball’s good guys. Surprised Cincinnati beat writers when he took time to wish them well after he was traded to the Angels. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Eddie Murray, #33 INFIELDER

Bats: S

Throws: R

Ht: 6-5

Wt: 230

Birthday: 2/24/56

ML Service: 20.000

1996: Hit 500th homer to join Hank Aaron and Willie Mays as only players in history with 500 homers and 3,000 hits. Homer came one year to the day that Cal Ripken Jr. passed Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games streak.

With the Indians and Orioles:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .260 152 566 69 147 21 1 22 79 4

*--*

CAREER DATA: Certain Hall of Famer when he retires. Homered in all major league ballparks except Denver’s Coors Field and Toronto’s SkyDome. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Orlando Palmeiro, #3 OUTFIELDER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 5-11

Wt: 160

Birthday: 1/19/69

ML Service: 0.147

1996: Batted .306 with 33 RBIs and seven stolen bases in 62 games for triple-A Vancouver. Good speed. Good glove. Good bat. Plays smart. Stuck playing behind perhaps finest outfield in American League.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .287 50 87 6 25 6 1 0 6 0

*--*

CAREER DATA: Opening day starter for triple-A Vancouver in ’96. Angels’ talent glut in outfield means he’s doomed to be a backup or minor leaguer. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Troy Percival, #40 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 200

Birthday: 8/9/69

ML Service: 2.00

1996: Became the Angels closer last season and finished with 36 saves, which was fourth in the American League. Named the all-star game. Had 11 saves and did not allow an earned run in first 15 appearances.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 0 -2 2.31 62 0 36 74 38 19 31 100

*--*

CAREER DATA: Former catcher who is one of the top closers. Annoyed Frank Thomas with fist-pumping after striking out the White Sox power hitter. Signed through: 1999.

PLAYER: Chris Pritchett, #28 INFIELD

Bats: L

Throws: R

Ht: 6-4

Wt: 185

Birthday: 1/31/70

ML Service: 0.027

1996: Spent almost the entire season with Vancouver, where he hit .295 with 16 home runs and 73 RBIs. Was named the team’s MVP. His first major league hit came Sept. 12 against Cleveland.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .154 5 13 1 2 0 0 0 1 0

*--*

CAREER DATA: Money in the postseason. Hit .438 with three doubles and a home run for Vancouver against Salt Lake City in 1995 Northern Division final. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Tim Salmon, #15 OUTFIELD

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 220

Birthday: 8/24/68

ML Service: 4.045

1996: Became the first Angel player to have 30 home runs in three seasons. Led the team in home runs and runs batted in. Hit a club record 13 home runs in June. Eighteen of his home runs came with bases empty.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .286 156 581 90 166 27 4 30 98 4

*--*

CAREER DATA: Did not have a home run against Detroit last season. Can the Tigers (bad pitchers, small ballpark) claim that about any other power hitter? Signed through: 2001.

PLAYER: Dennis Springer, #35 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 5-10

Wt: 185

Birthday: 2/12/65

ML Service: 0.117

Started the season at triple-A Vancouver and was 10-3 with 2.72 ERA in two stints in the minor leagues. Recorded his first career complete game and shutout in 13-0 victory over Baltimore Aug. 25.

With the Angels:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 5 -6 5.51 20 2 0 94 2/3 91 58 43 64

*--*

CAREER DATA: Yankees hit four home runs off him on Aug. 30. One was by Jim Leyritz, now an Angel catcher. Chasing the knuckleball may be the payback. Signed through: 1997.

PLAYER: Todd Van Poppel, #24 PITCHER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-5

Wt: 210

Birthday: 12/9/71

ML Service: 3.120

1996: Went 0-3 with 10.00 earned-run average as a starter with Oakland, then was sent to the bullpen. Claimed on waivers by Detroit and went 2-4 with 11.30 ERA in nine starters. Threw five-hit shutout against Kansas City.

With the Oakland and Detroit:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 3 -9 9.06 37 1 0 99 1/3 139 100 62 53

*--*

CAREER DATA: Named National High School player of the year in 1990. Won four consecutive games to begin his major league career. Signed through: 1997.

Randy Velarde, #18 INFIELDER

Bats: R

Throws: R

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 192

Birthday: 11/24/62

ML Service: 8.027

1996: Played regularly for the first time in career and set or tied career highs in all offensive categories. Hit first grand slam Aug. 25 against Baltimore. Had a 21-game hitting streak June 9-July 4.

With the Angels:

*--*

AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB .285 136 530 82 151 27 3 14 54 7

*--*

CAREER DATA: Had RBI single off Randy Johnson in the 11th to give Yankees a 5-4 lead in Game 5 of 1995 ALCS. Seattle then scored twice to win, 6-5. Signed through: 1998.

PLAYER: Allen Watson, #34 PITCHER

Bats: L

Throws: L

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 195

Birthday: 11/18/70

ML Service: 3.089

1996: Led San Francisco in innings pitched. Had a four-game winning streak April 30-May 19, won his first career complete game. Gave up 28 home runs. Spent two weeks on the disabled list with sore elbow.

With the Giants:

*--*

W-L ERA G CG SV INN H ER BB S0 8 -12 4.61 29 2 0 185 2/3 189 95 69 128

*--*

CAREER DATA: Hit .231--only 26 points below J.T. Snow--with three doubles and seven RBIs. Could come in handy in those interleague games. Signed through: 1997.