Angels Talk to Cuban Star

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 1997 World Series Most Valuable Player Livan Hernandez.

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’ wish list, and the Dodgers have also expressed interest.

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

Teams can begin official negotiations with Hernandez on Monday, but it is believed representatives of the former Cuban National Team standout have had informal discussions with several clubs.

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

The Angels, in an effort to upgrade a rotation that appeared set going into spring training, are also pursuing free-agent pitcher Jack McDowell.