Velarde Prepares to Test Elbow

Second baseman Randy Velarde has consulted several players who have undergone elbow reconstruction surgery, and has found a consensus on what his biggest hurdle will be this spring after missing the entire 1997 season.

“The hardest thing will be cutting loose on that first throw, that first relay or off-balance throw up the middle,” Velarde said. “I’ve talked to guys [who have had the surgery] and they say once you get past that, everything will be fine.”

Velarde hasn’t cleared that hurdle, but he got a running start this past week. The first workout for pitchers and catchers is today, but Velarde has been in Tempe, Ariz., for five days, throwing well enough to convince Manager Terry Collins that he is near a full recovery.

“He’s been turning double plays like crazy,” Collins said. “He’s been throwing from different angles, and he looks really good. He was throwing well over the top, but my biggest concern was whether he could come sidearm or from other angles. I think he’ll be fine.”

Shortstop Gary DiSarcina, who also has been working out in Tempe, said Velarde hasn’t aired out his arm yet, “but he looks pretty strong, pretty fresh . . . he’s my call for comeback player of the year.”

Collins would settle for a mere comeback. If Velarde starts at second, the Angels would be able to keep Norberto Martin in a utility role, thus strengthening their bench. “It makes us a lot deeper,” Collins said.