Spiezio Says Team Wants to Talk Deal

The Angels have told the agent for infielder Scott Spiezio they would like to discuss a contract for next season, Spiezio said Wednesday.

Spiezio, the starting first baseman this year and last, plans to file for free agency. He could face a pay cut from his $4.25-million salary, in Anaheim or elsewhere. He could be particularly valuable to the Angels, given the uncertainty over whether Darin Erstad should move from center field to first base and the rehabilitation of third baseman Troy Glaus’ shoulder.

The Angels also could sign an outfielder or first baseman this winter, so it is unlikely they could promise Spiezio a defined role -- and get him to forgo free agency -- within 15 days following the end of the World Series, after which teams lose exclusive negotiating rights with free agents.

“If the Angels come after me with something that sounds great, we’ll see,” Spiezio said.

Spiezio, 31, who unsuccessfully sought a multiyear contract last winter, is hitting .262 with 16 home runs. He ranks second on the team in runs batted in and doubles.

“We’d love to have him back,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. “There are other things we’re trying to do, so we’ll have to see how everything falls into place.”

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Reliever Derrick Turnbow has been selected as one of 30 finalists for the U.S. national team that will play in the Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Panama starting Oct. 30. The finalists will participate in a training camp in Arizona next month, after which a 24-man tournament roster will be selected.

The U.S. must finish first or second in the eight-team tournament to qualify for next summer’s Athens Olympics. The Athens roster would not include major leaguers.

“It’s kind of weird,” he said. “You’re trying for an opportunity you hope you don’t have a chance to get.”

Turnbow, 25, who would rather be in Anaheim than Athens next summer, has pitched 11 scoreless innings since being recalled Sept. 1.

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Closer Troy Percival (right forearm tendinitis) will not pitch in the final three games of the season, Manager Mike Scioscia said. Shortstop David Eckstein is questionable, as is the scheduled starter for Sunday’s season finale, Jarrod Washburn (ankle).