Scarsone Enters the Race for Second Base

The Angels were rebuffed in their attempts to trade for Colorado infielder Jason Bates and Chicago Cubs infielder Jose Hernandez, so they probably will come up with their own replacement for the injured Randy Velarde.

“In my mind, we’re going to have to find someone here to fill in,” Manager Terry Collins said after the Angels’ 15-0 exhibition victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday.

Norberto Martin and Chip Hale are the leading candidates, and youngster Justin Baughman will be considered, but another strong candidate emerged Friday when veteran Steve Scarsone started at second.

Scarsone, 31, had three hits, one a three-run homer, and played flawless defense, including a nice 5-4-3 double play.

“We like Justin’s ability, but Scarsone has played in the big leagues and has had some success,” Collins said. “He can catch the ball, and he has some sock.”

Scarsone had his best season in 1995, when he hit .266 with 11 homers in 80 games for the San Francisco Giants.

He can play all four infield positions, as well as catcher, but feels most comfortable at second.

“That’s my spot,” Scarsone said. “I’ve always been a second baseman, and I have to take advantage of this playing time. [The starting job] is definitely within reach. An impression needs to be made.”

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Velarde, determined to delay another comeback until he’s completely ready, did not hit off a tee Friday because his elbow was still a little sore.

“Let’s miss the time during spring training and make up for it in the season, rather than starting, having a setback and having to shut it down,” said Velarde, who sat out 1997 because of elbow reconstruction surgery.

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Ken Hill continued his superb spring with five scoreless innings against the A’s. The right-hander gave up four hits, struck out one and walked one, lowering his Cactus League earned-run average to 3.21. . . . Tim Salmon had a three-run triple and an RBI double, Cecil Fielder had three hits and two RBIs, and Phil Nevin and Frank Bolick each homered to pace the Angels’ 20-hit attack. . . . Outfielder Damon Mashore sprained his right ankle during batting practice and left in the second inning.

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In a split-squad game at Tucson, third baseman Troy Glaus had a memorable day, at the expense of former UCLA teammate Jim Parque.

Glaus went three for four with a home run, double and five runs batted in a 11-9 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

“It’s a nice way to finish up,” said Glaus, who has been moved to the minor league camp. He hit .423 with four home runs and 11 RBIs this spring.

“I had nothing to lose being up here. I wasn’t going to make this team, so I could play loose. I seemed to do all right and showed the coaches what I can do.”

He also showed Parque, who gave up Glaus’ double and homer.

Jack McDowell, coming back from elbow surgery, was far from sharp in his second start. He was scheduled to go five innings but went four, giving up seven runs and 10 hits.