Collins Discounts Trade Talk

Manager Terry Collins didn’t exactly drive a wooden stake through the hearts of persistent trade rumors that have swirled around outfielders Jim Edmonds and Garret Anderson, but he dealt them a severe blow Friday.

“Everyone thinks we’re trying to move an outfielder,” he said. “We’re not. We’re in a good situation. So many things can happen in the long run, we can’t just give away talent.”

Such depth, with Edmonds, Anderson, Tim Salmon and Darin Erstad, will enable the Angels to better absorb an injury, and Collins believes if he can give his regulars some extra time off in July and August, perhaps they’ll be fresher in September, when injuries and fatigue have derailed the Angels in three of the last four years.

But there is one possible drawback: With Todd Greene and possibly Dave Hollins also available to be the designated hitter, more talent could mean less playing time for veterans who consider days off an affront.

“They’re all going to play, so there might be a day when I sit someone and they’ll be upset about it,” Collins said. “I respect that, but I know one thing--every one of these guys wants to be on this team. In order for them to contribute, they have to accept what we decide.”

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Not that there was any doubt, but Collins confirmed Friday that Chuck Finley will be the Angels’ opening-day starter April 6 against the Cleveland Indians in Edison Field.

“He’s earned it--he deserves it,” Collins said.

Finley will be followed in the rotation by Tim Belcher and Ken Hill.

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Closer Troy Percival left camp Friday to return to Southern California to be with his wife, who was due to deliver the couple’s first child. . . . The Angels have agreed to terms with pitcher Mark Harriger on a one-year contract.