Osuna Not Quite in Total Control

Antonio Osuna, who walked in the tying run in the eighth inning Friday, has given up 11 earned runs in eight innings this spring. He has walked eight.

Manager Bill Russell said that roster decisions will be made today, but did express his concern about Osuna’s performance.

“He can’t seem to put the ball over the plate,” Russell said. “He has had enough innings, so it has to be his mechanics. [Pitching coach] Dave Wallace has been working with him. We hope it’s mechanical.”

Osuna did not walk anyone in one inning Saturday night, but he id give up two hits.

Osuna appeared in 73 games and had a 9-6 record last season. The Dodger roster is set, except for one spot in the bullpen.

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Russell wasn’t surprised by the power displayed by rookie second baseman Wilton Guerrero, whose 11th-inning home run gave the Dodgers a 3-2 victory Friday.

“He spent the off-season bulking up,” Russell said. “He worked out more than I did and he had this special drink to put weight on. He’s not that scrawny singles hitter any more.”

Guerrero is listed at 5 feet 11, 145 pounds.

Greene Not Happy with Minor Problem Angel catcher Todd Greene, who is a converted outfielder, isn’t thrilled with the possibility of returning to the minor leagues. The Angels will make their final cuts today and may feel he still needs to play every day to improve behind the plate.

“I’m developed, I’m a big league catcher,” Greene said. “I don’t want to go to the minor leagues. I don’t think playing every day is going to make a big difference right now.”

“If that was the case, if everyone wanted to play every day, then there would be no bench players in the big leagues. I’m sick of that word development. I’m not a converting catcher anymore. I’m ready to play in the big leagues now.”

Greene, first baseman Chris Pritchett and infielder Fausto Cruz are competing for the last spot on the roster. Infielder Jack Howell, outfielder Orlando Palmeiro and infielder Craig Grebeck will be on the team.

Manager Terry Collins said he would go with an 11-man pitching staff and his middle relievers will be Pep Harris and Dennis Springer.

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The slightly new Anaheim Stadium--which is in the middle of a $100-million renovation--drew some rave reviews from players, and that was just about the Angel clubhouse.

“Two 60-inch televisions, you got to like that,” Angel reliever Chuck McElroy said.

Said Collins: “This place is so nice, some of our guys might be divorced by the end of the year.”

Of course, not everyone was overwhelmed.

“It sure takes a long time to get from the clubhouse to the dugout,” Russell said. “I might get lost.”

There are two flights of steps--one down, one up--from the clubhouse to the dugout.

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Randy Velarde had his injured right arm examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum and will undergo an MRI today to determine his status. Velarde has been out since March 23 with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

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Chuck Finley will throw today and pitch a simulated game on Tuesday. If all goes well, he will then make at least one rehabilitation start. Finley has been out since March 15th when he was hit in the right eye by a bat.