Erstad’s Deal Seen as Message

The Angels are scheduled to pay 10 players as much next season as they paid their entire roster this season. The Angels’ ability to field another contender next year might well depend upon Disney’s willingness to increase the player payroll at the risk of absorbing another huge financial loss.

After announcing a four-year, $32-million contract extension for center fielder Darin Erstad on Saturday, General Manager Bill Stoneman said he does not expect to have to trade any of his core players to lower the Angels’ payroll.

“Our plan is to hang on to what we’ve got, otherwise why would we do it?” Stoneman said. “My boss is certainly aware of the numbers, and he’s just fine with it.”

Angel President Paul Pressler last winter approved a payroll boost to a club-record $60 million. With the signing of Erstad, the Angels now have committed that amount next season to Erstad, outfielders Garret Anderson and Tim Salmon, third baseman Troy Glaus, catcher Bengie Molina and pitchers Kevin Appier, Ramon Ortiz, Troy Percival, Aaron Sele and Jarrod Washburn.

Aside from Washburn, all of those players are signed through at least 2004. Washburn is eligible for salary arbitration after this season but is not eligible for free agency for another three years.

He was thrilled that the Angels rewarded Erstad, the team leader, before he could file for free agency this fall.

“I think it sends a great message, that this isn’t just a one-year thing,” Washburn said. “We’re a great team now, and they want to keep us a great team.”

The Angels probably cannot afford to retain both first baseman Scott Spiezio and designated hitter Brad Fullmer, but the option is theirs. Second baseman Adam Kennedy also is eligible for arbitration, and the Angels can pay shortstop David Eckstein and pitcher John Lackey whatever they like above the major league minimum wage.

Disney is trying to sell the team and, sources said, is anticipating a loss in the range of $15 million to $20 million this year.

Still, the Angels signed Erstad, 28, to a deal that ranks as third-highest in franchise history. In 1998, the Angels signed free-agent first baseman Mo Vaughn to an $80-million contract, over six years. Last year, they signed Salmon to a $40-million extension, over four years.

While Erstad’s statistics are not spectacular--he is hitting .283 with seven home runs--Angel teammates and management said his speed, defensive prowess and leadership more than justified the average $8-million salary of the new deal. He was a finalist for the American League All-Star team this season.

An executive from another AL club and an agent who does not represent Erstad each said he might have commanded as much as $10 million per season in free agency.

“I don’t care,” Erstad said. “I want to be here and I wanted to get it done so I don’t have to answer questions about it the next two months and can focus on getting to the playoffs.”