Washburn Still Can’t Find the Strike Zone

Most of Jarrod Washburn’s pitches in his first spring outing last week were low and out of the strike zone. The Angel left-hander was wild high Tuesday, when he gave up three runs, five hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings of a 5-3 Cactus League loss to the Seattle Mariners.

At this rate, most of Washburn’s pitches in his next start should be just right.

“I’m not very locked in on the strike zone right now,” said Washburn, one of several young pitchers competing for rotation spots. “I’m still trying to get used to throwing again. . . . I can’t put pressure on myself. I just have to relax and pitch like I know I can.”

Sometimes that’s easier said than done. Washburn has spent parts of the last two seasons in the big leagues, but by no means is he assured of a job in Anaheim this spring.

At least 10 pitchers are competing for rotation spots, and while Washburn needs to concentrate on building up his arm strength and adding precision to his pitches, he also needs to impress Manager Mike Scioscia and pitching coach Bud Black.

“There’s nothing more I want in this world than to make this team out of spring training,” Washburn said. “The last thing I want to do is spend another day in the minor leagues, but if I keep pitching like this I’ll be back in triple A.”

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In mulling over a possible deal for Angel center fielder Jim Edmonds, several New York Yankee coaches reportedly have lobbied against a trade because of their perception that Edmonds has a tendency to play at less than full speed.

Former Angel pitcher Chuck Finley, who played with Edmonds for six seasons, did little to dispel that perception in an interview with Newsday this week.

“He can definitely play the game when he wants to,” Finley said. “Jimmy’s biggest problem is Jimmy. Everybody on our team looks at him and goes, ‘This guy is a five-tool player.’

“He’s got as good instincts as [Ken] Griffey. He could probably put up not as good numbers, but they’d be up there close if he could do it for 150 games a year. But he teases you with it every year.”

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Because of a rain-soaked outfield, Scioscia, not wanting to risk injury, held Tim Salmon, Garret Anderson and Edmonds out of Tuesday’s game. . . . Edmonds and closer Troy Percival were the only current Angels elected to the franchise’s all-time team, as voted by fans in celebration of the Angels’ 40th anniversary. The team: Jim Fregosi, manager; Bob Boone, catcher; Rod Carew, first base; Bobby Grich, second base; Doug DeCinces, third base; Fregosi, shortstop; Brian Downing, Reggie Jackson and Edmonds, outfield; Nolan Ryan and Mike Witt, right-handed pitchers; Frank Tanana and Finley, left-handed pitchers; Percival, closer.