Even Small Things Spur Speculation

The Angels were just about to leave their training complex in Tempe, Ariz., Monday when Manager Terry Collins hopped off the team bus bound for Peoria, Ariz., to join General Manager Bill Bavasi.

The bus pulled out of the parking lot without Collins . . . and then the wheels really started spinning.

Collins had handed third-base coach Larry Bowa the lineup card, and when Collins was a no-show 45 minutes before a Cactus League game against the Seattle Mariners, Angel coaches and players were convinced something significant was on the verge of happening.

Rumors had begun Sunday about the Angels discussing a blockbuster deal with the Dodgers that would send center fielder Jim Edmonds, catcher Matt Walbeck and a pitcher, either Jarrod Washburn or Scott Schoeneweis, to Los Angeles for pitcher Ismael Valdes, first baseman Eric Karros and an infielder, either Jose Vizcaino or Mark Grudzielanek.

The Dodgers, according to speculation, would move Gary Sheffield to first, and the Angels would use Karros as a designated hitter.

Another rumor had the Angels discussing a possible deal with the Toronto Blue Jays sending outfielder Garret Anderson and two top prospects to Toronto for pitcher Pat Hentgen, pending the condition of Hentgen’s shoulder.

“Something big is going down,” one coach said.

Then Collins showed up. With an explanation, and without a big deal. Turns out Collins’ car had been towed from his apartment complex Sunday night, and Bavasi gave him a ride to the lot where it had to be picked up Monday.

They then drove to Peoria for Monday’s 10-3 exhibition loss to the Mariners, putting an end to the intrigue.

“Nothing is happening,” Collins said. “Sorry.”

Bavasi found the whole episode humorous.

“Yeah, put in there that everyone panicked,” he said. “That’s good.”

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An MRI test on pitcher Chuck Finley’s neck Monday revealed no abnormalities, and the left-hander, sidelined for more than a week because of upper back spasms, will resume a therapy program.

“There were no big bone spurs or disk problems--we pretty much ruled out anything serious,” trainer Ned Bergert said. “When he feels his shoulder is ready, he’ll begin to throw again.”

Bergert could not estimate a time for Finley’s return but said he would play catch several times, perhaps as early as today, before throwing off a mound. Finley, already named opening-day starter, needs to make four or five exhibition starts if he is to open the season with the Angels.

“He deserves to be our opening-day starter, but if he’s not, we’re not going to worry about it,” Collins said. “All that matters is that he’s out there for 35 starts this season.”

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The results weren’t spectacular, but Ken Hill, who missed 2 1/2 months because of elbow surgery last season, was pleased with his first exhibition start, a two-inning, two-run, five-hit performance against Seattle.

Hill struck out two and walked none, and a few of his 50 pitches hit 95 mph on one scout’s speed gun. He also looked comfortable using his new compact windup.

“My ball had a lot of life--heck, I surprised myself,” Hill said. “I wanted to test my arm to see how it feels. [Today] is a big day. I’ll see how sore I am. But I felt pretty good after pitching in the intrasquad game, so I don’t expect any problems.”