Jenks’ Future Looks Bright

The Angels broke camp Thursday, heading to Southern California to begin this season but leaving behind a pitcher who could develop into a dominant part of future seasons.

He’s Bobby Jenks, 21, armed with a 100-mph fastball but still refining his control and off-speed pitches. The right-hander is expected to start the season at double-A Arkansas, but the major league coaching staff got its first look at him this spring, and jaws dropped.

“The guy has got the most upside of any young pitcher I’ve seen,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s got a tremendous power arm. If he can fulfill 75% of his promise, he’ll be some kind of pitcher.”

Said minor league pitching coach Howie Gershberg, who worked extensively with Jenks last season: “He reminds me of Curt Schilling and Roger Clemens. He’s built like them, big and strong, with a good delivery.... He has the ability to be a solid No. 1.”

Baseball America ranks Jenks as the Angels’ top pitching prospect, although more polished minor leaguers such as Chris Bootcheck and John Lackey could arrive in Anaheim sooner.

Jenks has started only 35 minor league games, two above the Class-A level. The Angels nonetheless sent him to the Arizona Fall League, where he displayed his potential and his flaws against top double-A and triple-A prospects. His earned-run average was 6.97, but he led the league in strikeouts.

“When he had command of his breaking ball, he made hitters look silly,” catcher Jason Hill said.

“He has the potential to be dominant,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. “The scouts in the fall league left the park mumbling.”

The Angels pounded the Milwaukee Brewers in an exhibition Thursday, 17-5, starting the game with nine consecutive hits. The Angels got 23 hits in all, including three apiece from outfielder Orlando Palmeiro and utility candidate Clay Bellinger. In his final spring start, Kevin Appier gave up one run over five innings. Reliever Lou Pote gave up four runs in one inning and left Arizona with a 15.00 ERA, but he is expected to make the team based on his strong showing last summer.

The Angels, in search of a right-handed hitter, have had internal discussions about the possibility of signing Todd Greene, released this week by the New York Yankees. Greene, 30, a former Angel, hit .440 for the Yankees this spring. He could replace Shawn Wooten as a right-handed power hitter and third catcher.... Scioscia indicated Larry Barnes or Benji Gil will be the first baseman on opening night. If the Angels believe that Gil, recovering from shin splints, can play for eight consecutive games--the maximum combined suspensions for Troy Glaus and Scott Spiezio--then Barnes would not make the team.... The Angels nearly traded outfielder Darin Erstad to the White Sox in December for four players, and the key player would have been Jon Garland, projected as a potential No. 1 starter. Not yet: Garland, 22, has a 9.28 ERA this spring and has given up 18 hits and 11 walks in 11 innings. He’ll be the No. 4 starter for Chicago.... The Angels conclude their exhibition schedule with a two-game series against the Colorado Rockies at Edison Field. Aaron Sele faces Jason Jennings tonight at 7, with Scott Schoeneweis opposing John Thompson Saturday at 1.... This year marks the 10th anniversary of “The Simpsons” episode that featured a softball team made up of major leaguers, including Scioscia, who said he still gets residuals. “Every three months, I get a check for, like, $4,” he said.