Angels Keep an Eye on Orlando Hernandez

The Angels’ never-ending pursuit of pitching has taken them to Costa Rica, where they are one of the leading contenders to sign Cuban right-hander Orlando Hernandez, the older brother of Livan Hernandez, the 1997 World Series most valuable player.

Bob Fontaine, Angel player personnel director, is in Costa Rica, and three other Angel scouts are scheduled to watch Hernandez pitch there this week. A baseball source said the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves join the Angels atop Hernandez’s list, and the Dodgers also have expressed interest.

Hernandez, who says he is 28 but is believed to be 32, left Cuba with his common-law wife and six others in a boat Dec. 26 and was picked up by the Coast Guard, which took him to the Bahamas. Hernandez was transported to Costa Rica, where he was granted citizenship and declared a free agent.

Hernandez was Cuba’s best pitcher in 1994 and ‘95, but was kicked off the national team because of his brother’s defection. Hernandez spent the past two years playing shortstop for a softball team in Cuba, but he is reportedly in excellent physical condition.

The Angels also are pursuing free-agent pitcher Jack McDowell.