Barnes Is Last in Race for First

Larry Barnes was optioned to triple-A Salt Lake City Wednesday, virtually assuring that Wally Joyner has won the Angels’ first base job, but Manager Mike Scioscia hinted the position might evolve into a platoon with Joyner and switch-hitter Scott Spiezio.

“Spiezio will get a lot of at-bats,” Scioscia said. “You’re not going to see Wally at first base seven days a week.”

Barnes, Joyner and Spiezio waged a stiff competition for the job all spring, but Joyner’s experience, his .375 average, his bat control and his ability to get on base consistently eventually won Scioscia over.

Barnes, a rookie, got off to a hot start but tailed off in his last nine games, going four for 25. He was hitless in two at-bats in Wednesday’s 10-5 exhibition loss to the Chicago White Sox, his average slipping to .265. He did have four home runs and nine runs batted in. Although he didn’t commit any errors, Barnes bobbled a few balls.

“We know he’s an excellent first baseman, but he didn’t play excellent defense this spring,” Scioscia said. “He also needs some concentrated at-bats to get going. He got a little pull-happy late in spring, and that might have come from hitting a couple of homers early. His strength is using the gaps. When he gets back to that, he’ll be an outstanding big league hitter.”

Barnes, 26, had an inkling this might happen.

“I had my chance--I could have hit better, I could have played better, but I left some doubt in their minds,” he said. “It’s not easy, but it’s their decision, and I have to live with it.”

*

The Angels optioned shortstop Wilmy Caceres to Salt Lake City and reassigned infielder Jose Fernandez to minor league camp, opening the door for either Shawn Wooten, Jamie Burke and possibly Jeff DaVanon to win the final bench spot. . . . Tim Salmon hit his first homer of the spring Wednesday, a two-run shot off White Sox starter Kip Wells. Angel right-hander Ismael Valdes gave up six runs on 11 hits in five innings. His spring earned-run average is now 9.58, and opponents are batting .436 against him.