Velarde, Olivares Might Make Up for a Trade Deficit

Though the Angels appear cool to the idea, Randy Velarde and Omar Olivares said they would not rule out a return to Anaheim. Both are eligible for free agency.

Velarde and Olivares were traded to Oakland in July.

Velarde has a multiyear contract offer from the A’s, though apparently for what he perceives as utility-player money.

Asked about the specifics of the A’s offer, Velarde said, “We started talking. I’ll just leave it at that.”

Velarde has played in a career-high 153 games and could reach 200 hits for the first time.

Olivares could be one of the more attractive free-agent starting pitchers on a soft market that might also include Chuck Finley, Kevin Appier, Juan Guzman, Aaron Sele and Kenny Rogers.

Among the Angel priorities will be to acquire help at second base and in the rotation.

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Ramon Ortiz, who will make his final start of the season today, has been told to rest his right arm this winter. He will not pitch before spring training, though he intends to return to his native Dominican Republic for several weeks.

“I have not seen my family for nine months,” said Ortiz, who telephones his mother daily. “I miss them.”

In fact, Ortiz dedicated his final start to his mother, among others, including the fans.

When he returns, Ortiz will live near agent Scott Boras in Newport Beach, take English classes and--he hopes--obtain a U.S. driver’s license.

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Troy Percival, who saved 31 games but pitched despite an inflamed shoulder in the final month, will not pitch again this season.

Percival threw in the outfield before Thursday’s game, then was examined by medical director Lewis Yocum, who found “persistent inflammation.”

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Texas Ranger cleanup hitter Juan Gonzalez will sit out at least the first game of the three-game series that begins tonight at Edison Field.

Gonzalez stayed in Texas to be near his 3-year-old daughter, Gabriela, who underwent a surgical procedure on Thursday.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Texas Rangers, three games.

* Site--Edison Field.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Channel 9 tonight.

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

* Records--Angels 67-92, Rangers 95-64.

* Record vs. Rangers--3-6.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ RAMON ORTIZ (2-3, 6.17) vs. RANGERS’ ESTEBAN LOAIZA (9-5, 4.61)

* Update--The Rangers clinched the AL West title without much effort, but still are playing for home-field advantage in the playoffs. They arrive with the same thunderous offense, two MVP candidates and a third player, Juan Gonzalez, who will get some votes. Rafael Palmeiro has a .330 average, 47 home runs and 147 RBIs. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez, the best in the game at his position defensively, is hitting .333 with 34 homers and 109 RBIs. Gonzalez (.324, 38 home runs, 126 RBIs) has been almost overlooked. Rick Helling has a 7.63 earned-run average in his career against the Angels. Garret Anderson (.412), Jim Edmonds (.400), Gary DiSarcina (.368), Tim Salmon (.316) and Matt Walbeck (.308) have had success against him.

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Mike Fyhrie (0-4, 5.05) vs. Rick Helling (13-10, 4.81)

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Jarrod Washburn (3-5, 6.11) vs. Jeff Fassero (5-14, 7.24)