Washburn May Get New Deal

The Angels are exploring the possibility of signing left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn to a multiyear contract.

Washburn, 27, emerged as a potential ace last season. He went 11-10, including an eight-game winning streak, and his 3.77 earned-run average led the team and ranked 13th in the American League.

Under General Manager Bill Stoneman, the Angels have signed third baseman Troy Glaus and catcher Bengie Molina to long-term contracts before each became eligible for salary arbitration.

Washburn, who made $270,000 last year, is starting his third full season and becomes eligible for arbitration next year. The Cleveland Indians last weekend signed left-hander C.C. Sabathia, entering his second full season, to a contract that guarantees him $850,000 in his third season, $2.45 million in his fourth and $4.5 million in his fifth.

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While the players’ union has not responded to the owners’ no-lockout pledge with a no-strike pledge, union chief Donald Fehr said the players have no plans to strike during the season or during the All-Star game, scheduled for Commissioner Bud Selig’s hometown of Milwaukee.

“We haven’t even considered the issue,” Fehr said after meeting with Angel players. “You don’t consider a strike except as a last resort, when bargaining has run its course and you don’t think you have any other options that are viable.... We’re a ways away from that.”

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The Angels have dropped out of the bidding for free-agent infielder Rey Sanchez, Stoneman said. Sanchez is expected to sign with the Boston Red Sox for $1.5 million and play second base. The Angels had considered signing him to play shortstop but decided the expense would not be worth sacrificing the offense of shortstop David Eckstein and second baseman Adam Kennedy, one of whom would have been benched had they added Sanchez. If the Angels decide later this season that they need a premium defensive shortstop, they can promote Alfredo Amezaga from triple A, at minimum wage.... Glaus, who jammed his right ankle during a baserunning drill Monday, will not play in today’s Cactus League opener against the San Diego Padres. Matt Wise is the scheduled starting pitcher today, with Aaron Sele and Scott Schoeneweis scheduled to work during a seven-inning exhibition Thursday against Cal Poly Pomona.... Tuesday was the deadline for bids for Korean reliever Jin Pil Joong, but the Angels did not make an offer. The Angels scouted Joong in a workout earlier this month, but they do not believe Joong is substantially better than the relievers they have.