Schilling Off Shopping List, Appier On

The Angels’ quest for Philadelphia Phillie right-hander Curt Schilling apparently is history.

“Cleveland or Atlanta is what we’ve heard, but that’s all coming to us third hand,” Angel President Tony Tavares said when asked where Schilling is most likely to be traded to before Thursday’s deadline.

Schilling, 11-10 with a 3.37 earned-run average for the major leagues’ worst team after Saturday’s loss to the Dodgers, does not want to play for a West Coast team.

Third baseman Dave Hollins and third base coach Larry Bowa, who were with Schilling in Philadelphia, phoned Schilling in recent days to offer an Angel sales pitch.

But Schilling won’t budge.

“Coming to the West Coast is something I’m not high on,” Schilling told The Times on Friday at Dodger Stadium. “I’m opening a business in Philly, and [Anaheim] is a little far for me.”

With Schilling scratched off the list, the Angels’ list of candidates includes a new name: Kansas City right-hander Kevin Appier. A no-trade clause in his contract ends Thursday.

Appier is 6-9 and has not won since June 27, but he is pitching for a team that lost for the 20th time in the past 24 games Saturday.

The Angels also are interested in trading for Terry Mulholland of the Chicago Cubs, Bob Tewksbury of the Minnesota Twins or Woody Williams of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Tom Gordon and Aaron Sele of the Boston Red Sox also are possibilities. However, the Red Sox have said they won’t part with Gordon, and based on his shaky performance Friday, the Angels might not want him. Sele, who faces the Angels today, is more attractive with a 10-7 record.

General Manager Bill Bavasi made “tons of calls” Thursday, according to Tavares. But so far there’s nothing promising on the horizon.

One thing is certain: The Angels will not part with one of their talented outfielders to acquire a pitcher simply for the stretch drive.

“I don’t think there’s been a single deal discussed that falls into the rent-a-pitcher category,” Tavares said.

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Mark Langston pitched four innings for Lake Elsinore on Saturday in a Class-A California League game against visiting Rancho Cucamonga.

Langston gave up four runs--two earned--and three hits in the Storm’s 6-3 loss. He walked one and struck out three.

“My arm felt very good,” Langston said. “I was throwing pretty strong and I felt pretty strong overall.”

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Manager Terry Collins announced his probable starters for the Cleveland series, which begins with the Angels’ second day-night doubleheader in four days.

Matt Perisho will be summoned from triple-A Vancouver and will face Bartolo Colon in a matchup of rookies in the first game Monday. Dennis Springer faces Orel Hershiser in the second game.

Chuck Finley, who has won a career-high six consecutive, meets former Angel Terry Clark on Tuesday. Collins is undecided about Wednesday’s starter against Charles Nagy.

TODAY’S GAME

ANGELS’ ALLEN WATSON (8-6, 4.88 ERA) vs. RED SOX’S AARON SELE (10-7, 5.26)

Fenway Park, 10 a.m. PDT

TV--Channel 9. Radio--KTZN (710).

* Update--After a shaky beginning to his Angel career, Watson has emerged as a steady No. 3 starter. He is 7-3 in his last 12 starts and has lowered his earned-run average from 7.04 to 4.88. Watson gave up four runs on eight hits in six innings in Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the New York Yankees. He did not receive a decision and is 0-1 in his last three starts. His last victory was against Oakland on July 10 when he matched his career high with eight strikeouts. Sele is making his team-high 22nd start today. He leads the Red Sox with 10 wins. Red Sox designated hitter Reggie Jefferson extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a single Saturday.