Weaver Signing May Not Happen

Though owner Arte Moreno said Friday that he “hasn’t given up hope” of signing Jered Weaver, the Angels’ first-round pick in last June’s draft, General Manager Bill Stoneman said Tuesday that he’s “probably not as optimistic” as Moreno about signing the former Long Beach State ace before the May 30 deadline.

Negotiations between the Angels and Weaver broke off in early March with the sides about $3 million apart, but talks resumed this month, and Stoneman initiated a meeting with agent Scott Boras before Friday night’s game in Angel Stadium. That meeting apparently yielded little or no progress.

“I just don’t see a reason for any optimism,” Stoneman said. “I had a brief meeting with [Boras] just to see if he had any more thoughts, to see if something could be done at a reasonable level, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”

Weaver, the 12th overall pick in the draft, was seeking a signing package in the $8-million range. The Angels offered the choice of a five-year major league deal for about $5 million or a minor league deal with a $4-million signing bonus.

If Weaver doesn’t sign by midnight EDT on May 30, he will re-enter the June 7 draft.

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Catcher Bengie Molina (strained right thigh) ran the bases at full effort with no pain again and said he would be activated off the disabled list Friday in Detroit.

“I can’t wait,” said Molina, who has been out since April 18. “This has been really crazy for me. Even though I’m not playing, I feel the defeats. When I come back, I’m not going to try to be a miracle worker. I just want to do my part to help the team win.”

Manager Mike Scioscia said the Angels would keep three catchers when Molina returned, meaning either David Matranga or Robb Quinlan, both utility infielders, will be sent to triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

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Pitcher Jarrod Washburn, who said he suffered a mild concussion while diving for a bunt attempt Sunday and was “a little woozy” Monday, felt better Tuesday, though a minor headache and sore neck still lingered. The left-hander underwent chiropractic treatments Tuesday night and is on track to make his next start Saturday.

“He was a little lightheaded [Monday], even though at times it’s tough to decipher when he’s light-headed,” Scioscia said. “But he’ll be fine.”

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Darin Erstad, who started the first 33 games of the season at first base, was told by Scioscia that he would get today off. Combined with Thursday’s off day, Erstad, who sat out considerable time because of hamstring injuries in 2003 and 2004, would get two days’ rest before the Angels’ trip to Detroit and Cleveland.

“It’s a long year, and he wants me to stay fresh,” Erstad said.