White House Visit May Be Canceled

After waiting four decades to win the World Series, the Angels could miss out on one of the most cherished perks of victory. The traditional White House visit and presidential reception could be threatened by the onset of war.

President Bush is tentatively scheduled to greet the Angels in May. Third baseman Troy Glaus can’t wait to talk baseball with Bush, a former owner of the Texas Rangers. First baseman Scott Spiezio jokes about envisioning himself as Forrest Gump, an ordinary guy who suddenly shows up in the Rose Garden.

By May, however, the United States could be at war with Iraq and Bush could be too busy to greet a baseball team. If the Angels cannot visit the White House, they will not consider themselves deprived.

“It’s an incredible honor just to get asked to go,” Spiezio said. “It’s something everybody would love to do. If it doesn’t happen, we’d understand.”

Said Glaus: “The president’s a little bit busy now. There are certain things that are more important than us going to see him.”

The prospect of war touches shortstop David Eckstein in a more personal way. Eckstein said his best friend, an Army captain, had to cancel a planned visit to spring training after receiving orders to remain on base because his unit could leave for the Persian Gulf region at any time.

“I’m kind of scared for him,” Eckstein said.

When Eckstein hears fans call him a hero, he said he thinks of his parents, and of his best friend.

“It’s a compliment,” he said, “but a true hero is a guy who goes out and defends the country so we can play the game.”

*

The Angels were greatly relieved Tuesday, one day after Jarrod Washburn tumbled to the ground during a fielding drill and sprained his left shoulder. As pain diminished in the shoulder and the injury responded to treatment, Manager Mike Scioscia indicated the left-hander should be able to resume throwing within a few days. Scioscia also said the missed workouts should not hamper Washburn’s ability to be ready for his opening-day start.

*

Batters want no part of the wicked slider thrown by Francisco Rodriguez. In two spring appearances, he has pitched two hitless innings and thrown 17 pitches. He threw five in his one inning Tuesday, in a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs, then expressed frustration that he cannot throw enough pitches to work deep in the count or to practice the changeup he hopes to refine.

The Angels plan to increase the number of innings -- and the number of pitches -- he throws later this spring. For now, pitching coach Bud Black said he sympathizes with Rodriguez but also with opposing batters who might be happy to hack away at his fastball so they can avoid the slider.

“I’d want to hit as early as I could against Frankie,” Black said.

*

Baseball America’s annual list of the top 100 prospects includes five Angels, a total exceeded only by the Atlanta Braves. The magazine ranks Rodriguez, still classified as a rookie, at No. 10, followed by first baseman Casey Kotchman (No. 13), catcher Jeff Mathis (No. 48) and right-handers Johan Santana (No. 51) and Bobby Jenks (No. 60). The analysis on Kotchman: “If he can figure out how to avoid wrist injuries, he’ll be batting third for the Angels in no time.” General Manager Bill Stoneman said the presence of Kotchman is one reason the Angels did not offer a multiyear contract to Spiezio.... The Angels hope that outfielders Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon, each recovering from off-season surgery, can play regularly within a week.... The Angels sent catcher Jason Hill and third baseman Dallas McPherson to minor league camp.