Stoneman Says a Trade Is Unlikely

The New York Yankees might be searching desperately for a third baseman, but apparently it won’t be Troy Glaus.

Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman said Friday that the Yankees had not called about Glaus.

Stoneman also dismissed rumors of two-team and three-team trades, said he had no trade talks active with any team and that he anticipated no personnel moves before the opening of spring training Feb. 19.

“The guys we have on the roster haven’t changed, and I don’t think they’re going to,” Stoneman said.

The Yankees suddenly need a third baseman because Aaron Boone tore up his knee playing basketball.

Glaus, 27, a three-time All-Star and former American League home run champion, will make $9.55 million this year and is eligible for free agency in November. Although the Angels have a top prospect in third baseman Dallas McPherson, owner Arte Moreno has said he could afford to re-sign Glaus if Stoneman recommended doing so.

*

Vladimir Guerrero, the Angels’ prize catch in free agency, is expected to be in attendance for the team’s first fan festival Feb. 14-15 at Angel Stadium. Although most major league teams gather a few players for winter fan gatherings, Moreno and Stoneman sent letters to all players, asking that they attend, and almost all have agreed to do so.

Admission to the festival is $5. For an additional $5 donation to the Angels’ charitable foundation, fans can get autographs from as many players as they like.

*

Stoneman reported no progress in resolving the contract dispute with shortstop David Eckstein, who filed for a $2.15-million salary. The Angels offered $1.6 million, and Stoneman said he was “not really” optimistic about reaching a compromise that would avert an arbitration hearing on the eve of spring training.

In the absence of a settlement, an arbitrator would pick one figure or the other.

*

After the Angels scouted a workout by Cuban defector Maels Rodriguez, one in which the pitcher reportedly failed to top 90 mph, Stoneman said the team would not offer him a contract. However, the Angels are believed to be interested in signing a Japanese high school pitcher, Yu Darvish, 17.

Under former general manager Bill Bavasi, the Angels offered a $3-million signing bonus to high school pitcher Koji Uehara, who chose to play at home and has become a star for Japan’s Yomiuri Giants.

*

Channel 9 delayed until next week its decision on how many games -- beyond the required 40 -- it would add to the Angels’ television schedule this season.