Angels, Joyner Close

The Angels’ signing of first baseman Wally Joyner to a minor league contract is on hold after General Manager Bill Stoneman and Joyner’s agent, Barry Axelrod, negotiated for the second consecutive day Wednesday.

Joyner has agreed to an incentive-packed deal similar to that of Jose Canseco, who earns no money unless he makes the team and can earn $5.15 million if he makes 500 plate appearances. However, because Joyner lacks Canseco’s power, the Angels are reluctant to offer him even half that potential maximum salary.

Joyner would compete with Scott Spiezio and rookie Larry Barnes to replace injured Mo Vaughn. Axelrod said the San Diego Padres also have offered Joyner a minor league contract but said the Angels are Joyner’s “first choice” because of the opportunity to play every day. Stoneman also talked Wednesday with representatives for Hal Morris, believed to be the Angels’ fallback choice should the Joyner talks collapse.

Barnes, 26, a stellar defensive player who led the Arizona Fall League with a .355 average, hopes Vaughn’s injury will afford him the chance to win a major league job after six seasons in the minors.

“All I want is a chance in spring training,” Barnes said.

Vaughn hit 36 home runs last season. Barnes, a line-drive hitter, believes he could hit 15 to 20 this season.

“Those are big shoes to fill, and obviously I’m not going to put up the numbers he can, at least not right away,” Barnes said. “But I don’t think it would be much of a stretch for me to be the starting first baseman.”

* The Angels signed left-handed reliever Mike Holtz to a one-year contract. He had asked for $850,000 in arbitration; the Angels offered $600,000.