Cubs’ First Visit Expected in ’04

Sammy Sosa is expected to come to Edison Field next season, and Dusty Baker is coming back.

Under the tentative 2004 schedule, the Angels will play interleague games at home against the Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers and on the road against the Dodgers, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Angels are scheduled to open April 5 at Seattle in what would be their first opener against the Mariners since 1991, when the starting lineup included Chuck Finley, Wally Joyner and Dave Parker.

The Cubs never have appeared in Anaheim, but Baker managed the San Francisco Giants there in last year’s World Series. Sosa, the Cubs’ beloved slugger, can opt out of his contract this fall, and the team reportedly is willing to gamble that no other club will match the $33 million the Cubs have guaranteed him through 2005.

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Tim Salmon considers himself an outfielder, not a designated hitter. He agreed to move from right field to DH this season, after Brad Fullmer’s injury. He would like to return to the outfield next season but understands that probably will not happen, for reasons that could include Vladimir Guerrero, the Montreal Expos’ superstar right fielder and pending free agent. The Angels hope to add a slugger and starting pitcher this winter.

“Is it realistic for me to play 150-some games in the outfield? Probably not,” said Salmon, 35, the Angels’ oldest position player. “To play 140 there and DH the rest, I can do that. Will that be something I get to do? I don’t know.

“If they go out and get one of the big names that have been thrown around, they’re more than likely going to play right field.”

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In six innings since returning from triple-A Salt Lake, reliever Derrick Turnbow has struck out five, walked none and given up two hits, with a fastball clocked up to 98 mph.

“This guy has potential closer written all over him,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.

If the Angels acquire the starter who would enable Scot Shields to return to the bullpen, and if they can add a left-handed reliever, they could make a reliever available in trade or decide not to offer a contract to Ben Weber, who is subject to arbitration. Closer Troy Percival is signed for next season, and the Angels can unilaterally determine the salaries of Shields, Turnbow, Francisco Rodriguez and Brendan Donnelly.