Glaus Given Entry-Level Training

Troy Glaus was the Angels’ first-round pick in 1997 and received a $2.25-million signing bonus, but as he discovered his first day in big-league camp Thursday, he’s still at the bottom of baseball’s pecking order.

So when a television crew needed a player for a stunt where a sportscaster dons a uniform for a mock tryout, it was Glaus who stayed after workouts to take grounders and batting practice with the guy.

“They just told me to come and do this,” Glaus said. “When you’re the young guy, I guess you’ve got to do all that stuff.”

Glaus shouldn’t have to fill too many of those fringe requests, though, because the Angels expect big things from the former UCLA shortstop, who was the third overall pick in the 1997 draft.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder likely will start the season at double-A Midland, but the Angels believe Glaus, who is projected as a big-league third baseman, has the tools to make a Darin Erstad-like ascent to Anaheim. Still, that didn’t prevent Glaus from acting like a typical bright-eyed rookie Thursday.

“I was looking at all the names on the lockers, recognizing people you see on TV,” Glaus said. “It was like, ‘Wow.’ I’m just going to try to lay low and soak everything up.”

Glaus didn’t sign until last September, so his first taste of professional ball came in the Arizona instructional league and Venezuelan Winter League. The latter didn’t agree with him--Glaus battled stomach ailments in Venezuela and lost 25 pounds, which he has since gained back--but even though he hit only .233 with two homers in 50 games, he considered it a valuable experience.

“The food and water were bad,” Glaus said, “but it made you learn how to try to be successful even when you don’t feel very well.”

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New designated hitter Cecil Fielder, who has lost between 25-35 pounds and looks more like a Not-So-Big Daddy, made his first appearance in Tempe, Ariz., Thursday, leaving some Angels in awe.

“It was unbelievable--he’s in great shape,” third baseman Dave Hollins said. “He’s solid. He hasn’t just lost weight, he’s added muscle.”

Shortstop Gary DiSarcina was trying to describe Fielder to closer Troy Percival.

“He’s got that V-thing going with his waist,” DiSarcina told Percival. “Yours is more of a U.”

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Joe Cubas, the agent for Cuban refugee Orlando Hernandez, traveled to Phoenix Thursday to begin negotiations with teams interested in the free-agent pitcher. He is expected to meet with Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi either today or over the weekend.