Anderson Negotiations a Priority

By Bill Shaikin

Aug. 19, 2003 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

CHICAGO —

The Angels have informed the agent for Garret Anderson that they hope to sign the star left fielder to a contract extension this winter, a deal that -- depending upon its length -- could be the most lucrative in franchise history.

“They have indicated they definitely want to talk,” agent Chris Arnold said Monday. “I can’t believe they would take him into his free-agent year” without signing him to a new contract. “I’m sure they’ll make that a priority.”

Anderson’s contract expires after next season. He is expected to be selected as the Angels’ most valuable player for the third consecutive season.

Noting Anderson’s accomplishments as the most valuable player of the All-Star game and winner of the home run derby in July, Angel Manager Mike Scioscia called him one of the top five hitters in the major leagues.

On Sunday, after Anderson became the franchise leader in hits, Scioscia said Anderson would have “Hall of Fame credentials” by the end of his career.

He figures to command significantly more per season than Tim Salmon, who averages $10 million on a four-year extension through 2005, when he will be 37.

The richest contract in club history averaged $13.3 million, a six-year, $80-million deal awarded to free agent Mo Vaughn. Anderson, 31, said he had no idea how much longer he wanted to play.

“I’ll play as long as it’s fun and as long as my family still wants me to play,” he said. “I really haven’t thought about that. I really haven’t thought past next year.”

Anderson said he wants to remain with the Angels, his only major league team, but disputed the notion he gave the team a substantial hometown discount when he signed his current four-year, $20-million deal.

“At that time in my career, I hadn’t done anything spectacular,” he said. “I hadn’t hit 30 [home runs] or driven in 100 [runs]. I didn’t warrant big-time free-agent money.”

Anderson has averaged 31 homers and 121 runs batted in over the last three seasons. With 37 games left this season, he has 26 homers and 99 RBIs.

The Angels are unsure whether the irritated nerve within David Eckstein’s back will force him to the disabled list, Scioscia said. Eckstein had an MRI examination Monday, but results were unavailable. If Eckstein is put on the disabled list, the only members of the opening day lineup not on the disabled list at any time this season will be Anderson, Salmon, catcher Bengie Molina and infielder Scott Spiezio .... With no team interested in trading for reserve infielder Benji Gil, the Angels simply released him Monday .... Reliever Ben Weber (bruised right thumb) was available Monday, and Scioscia said reliever Brendan Donnelly (bruised left hand) could be available today.... Baseball America lists double-A right-hander Bobby Jenks (no earned runs given up in four consecutive starts) and double-A third baseman Dallas McPherson (19 RBIs last week) as the hottest prospects in the minor leagues .... No relation to owner Arte Moreno, but the last name can’t hurt: right-hander Abel Moreno is 10-0 for the Angels’ rookie league team in Provo, Utah.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Hit Parade

Garret Anderson became the Angels’ all-time hits leader on Sunday (* -- active):

Player Hits

1. Garret Anderson* ...1,592

2. Brian Downing... 1,588

3. Tim Salmon* ...1,542

4. Jim Fregosi ... 1,408

5. Darin Erstad*...1,172

Player Hits

6. Bobby Grich... 1,103

7. Chili Davis...973