They Might Have Own Greene Monster Next Year

Next April is a long way off, and plans could change dramatically between now and then, but don’t be surprised to see Todd Greene behind the plate for the Angels on opening day in 1998.

“I think Todd Greene is the future,” Manager Terry Collins said. “I can tell you this: In spring training, Todd Greene will get a chance to win the job.”

Green’s reputation of good hit, bad field has nearly been eliminated by rapid defensive improvement in the minors. As an added bonus, Greene has retained his offensive pop. He hit 25 home runs with 75 RBIs in 63 games for triple-A Vancouver.

“He’s shown me he can hit,” Collins said. “I saw a need to improve his catching. I said, ‘You need to catch--that’s what’s going to make you a big league catcher.’

“He’s improved. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him since he returned [July 3 from Vancouver]. I really like him.”

If Greene wins the starting catcher’s spot next season, the Angels will probably use current No. 1 Jim Leyritz in a utility role. Leyritz also can play first and third and take an occasional turn as the designated hitter.

Reliever Rich DeLucia, who is expected to sit out the rest of the season after undergoing surgery Monday in Chicago to remove an aneurysm in his right arm, has been cleared to return to Anaheim.

He can begin riding an exercise bicycle, but cannot lift weights or throw a baseball yet.

Jim Edmonds says he finally figured out what was troubling him during a 1-for-20 slump going into Friday’s doubleheader.

“Maybe I was feeling too good,” said Edmonds, who continues to suffer from nagging knee injuries. “I was trying to be a little lazy and relax today. I had to change something, so I relaxed. Before, I think I was trying to do too much.”

He had three singles in four at-bats in Game 1, then singled, walked and doubled in Game 2.

To clarify the Angels’ expected moves Monday, they will probably send reliever Shad Williams to Vancouver and promote Matt Perisho to start the second game of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.

After the game, they will return Perisho to Vancouver and activate reliever Mike James, who has been on the disabled list because of a inflamed right elbow since July 3.

The Angels and Yankees will make up Thursday’s rainout on Aug. 20 at Anaheim Stadium. The first game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ... Hard-nosed third baseman Dave Hollins, who played both games of the doubleheader, made a diving stop on Nomar Garciaparra’s line drive in the fifth inning of the first game and appeared to land heavily on his right hand. Was he all right, Collins was asked at game’s end. “I don’t know,” Collins said. “You’ll never know. He’s Dave Hollins. He won’t say.” . . . The Red Sox went into play Friday with the American League’s top batting average at .295, but their hitting hasn’t enabled them to escape last place in the AL East. Turns out they are 9-30 when they don’t hit a home run.