ANGELS REPORT : Manager List Narrowing

If the Angels are very interested in Chris Chambliss as their next manager, it appears they will have to move quickly.

New Brewer General Manager Dean Taylor has told Brewer management that he would prefer to hire Chambliss, who worked with Taylor when both were with the Atlanta Braves, as Milwaukee’s new manager. Chambliss managed in the Braves’ minor-league system in 1991-92, and he and Taylor became close friends. Also, former Brewer general manager Sal Bando recommended Chambliss after his reassignment within the organization.

Already in contact with former Brewer manager Phil Garner, the Angels apparently will not fight the Brewers for Chambliss, who interviewed with Bavasi after the 1996 season, when Terry Collins eventually was hired.

Chambliss previously interviewed for eight open managerial positions, received none of them, and appears to be on a level below Don Baylor and Garner on the Angels’ list.

Rick Down and Mike Cubbage, candidates the last time the Angels went through the search process, apparently will not be considered.

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A day later, they were still talking about Gary DiSarcina’s home run, a shot to left-center field that carried more than 400 feet.

He last homered June 24, 1998 at Dodger Stadium against Darren Dreifort.

“I’ve never seen him hit a ball that high and that hard into a gap,” interim Manager Joe Maddon said.

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A maniacal Arizona Cardinal fan and an end-zone season-ticket holder, Maddon will spend Monday’s off day in Phoenix, where he will attend that night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

His plan is to return to Los Angeles with the team on Sunday night, fly to Phoenix later Sunday night, then come back in time for Tuesday night’s homestand opener against the Oakland A’s.

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In his first appearance since he gave up Derrick May’s eighth-inning home run on Sunday, Troy Percival had several fastballs reach 100 mph in the ninth inning Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

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Due to off days today and Monday, the Angels will skip the turn of right-hander Mike Fyhrie. Brian Cooper, Chuck Finley and Ramon Ortiz will start for the Angels this weekend in Seattle.