Durrington Makes Favorable Impression

What most impresses General Manager Bill Bavasi about Trent Durrington is not the young second baseman’s speed, which he flashed when he stole second and third on consecutive pitches Thursday at Chicago, nor his strong throwing arm or solid glove. It’s his attitude.

“He is not scared,” Bavasi said, “and that will pay off.”

Durrington has made a smooth transition from double-A to the major leagues, batting .279 in his first 13 games, fielding his position adequately and generally looking like he belongs.

“They told me you’re not here to try out, you’re not here to make the team, you’re here to play,” Durrington said. “That helped me get down to my regular business, just like the minor leagues. The first couple of days were mind-boggling, but now I come to the yard ready to perform.”

Angel coaches like Durrington’s enthusiasm, energy and work ethic, and he seems to have a good head for the game. He bunted on his own to advance a runner Friday night, and he executed a rundown play flawlessly in the first inning Saturday night.

As a leadoff batter he’ll need a stronger handle on the strike zone--he was still looking for his first walk going into Saturday night’s game. With a strong finish this season, Durrington, who will play in the Arizona Fall League, will have a good chance of winning the second-base job in 2000.

“It wouldn’t be fair to say yea or nay on someone you’ve only seen for two weeks,” third-base coach Larry Bowa said. “But I like everything about him so far.”

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The reason that Manager Terry Collins was so relieved to learn last week that outfielder Darin Erstad had suffered a strained knee ligament was because the initial diagnosis was a Grade III tear, which could have required surgery and sidelined Erstad for the rest of the season.

“That’s what the radiologist said,” Erstad said. “Then the doctor I went to the next day said it was just a strain. That was the best news I’ve had all year.”

Erstad said his right knee, injured when he his spikes got caught in the batter’s box during a swing, was “progressing.” He expects to be ready to play Friday at Boston when he’s eligible to come off the disabled list.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ STEVE SPARKS (5-9, 4.74 ERA) vs. TIGERS’ DAVE MLICKI (8-10, 4.84 ERA)

Edison Field, 5 p.m.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

* Update--Sparks, the Angel knuckleballer who hopes to secure a contract for next season, has given up only 15 earned runs in 37 innings of his last six starts.

* Tickets--(714) 663-9000.