Pitching Is at a Surplus

With supply and demand apparently tilted in their favor at two positions, the Angels could start spring training with a surplus of starting pitchers rather than trade Jarrod Washburn or Ramon Ortiz.

“There’s always a need for starting pitching,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said Wednesday. “We’re in a really unique situation. I never envisioned being in this situation, but it’s a good situation.”

The Angels open camp six weeks from today, with first base the lone vacancy in their lineup. They are cooling on free agent Rafael Palmeiro, according to a major league source, concerned not only about his asking price but about whether the 39-year-old could play a full season at first base.

With Jose Guillen signed to play right field and Tim Salmon moved to full-time duty at designated hitter, the Angels no longer have the option to split Palmeiro’s time between first base and designated hitter.

They remain interested in free agents Robert Fick and Travis Lee, and continue to pursue trades. Eric Karros, Randall Simon, Andres Galarraga and Fred McGriff also remain available in free agency, with far more first basemen seeking jobs than teams seeking first basemen.

The signings of Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar provide the Angels the opportunity to trade Washburn or Ortiz, with John Lackey and Aaron Sele set to return and Scot Shields available as well.

Stoneman said he would “probably” make another move before spring training but said he was “not sure right now” of what it might be.

The Angels also are considering the addition of bench help and are believed to be discussing the possibility of signing free-agent outfielder Chris Singleton.

Free-agent infielder Denny Hocking, who lives in Tustin and longs to play for the Angels, said the team has expressed some interest but said he has talked more recently with the St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners.