Time Running Out for Signing Weaver

With one day left to sign 2004 first-round pick Jered Weaver or allow him to reenter the draft, the standoff continued between the Angels and Weaver’s agent, Scott Boras.

General Manager Bill Stoneman on Saturday repeated his intent to stand firm on the club’s offer, $4 million for a minor league contract or $5.25 million in a major league contract. Boras asked the Angels to guarantee $6 million plus $750,000 if the former Long Beach State standout pitches in the majors in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Stoneman said none of the Angels’ Eastern scouts had been told to watch Weaver pitch a simulated game for the Camden (N.J.) Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League on Saturday.

“Our number is not going to change,” Stoneman said. “If they’re not going to find that one acceptable, there’s not much point in sending anyone out there.”

Boras, watching batting practice in his dugout box, said the two sides “left an opening where they can exchange dialogue,” but Stoneman didn’t sound optimistic. “I’ve had no indication they’re going to accept what we have out there,” Stoneman said.

Eddie Bane, the Angels’ scouting director, disputed the notion that Weaver could pitch for them this season. “I keep reading where he’s major league ready,” Bane said. “There’s nobody in the history of the game that’s ever been ready for the major leagues after taking a year off. Sandy Koufax couldn’t take a year off and be major league ready.”

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Reliever Francisco Rodriguez, on the disabled list because of a strained right forearm, pitched in the bullpen for about 10 minutes. Pitching coach Bud Black said he was “very encouraged.”

“He turned his fastball loose and threw some nice, hard breaking balls,” Black said. “He’ll be off [today] and we’re still planning for him to pitch a simulated game in Rancho Cucamonga on Monday. If he comes out of that fine, he’ll be in Chicago Monday night.”

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Vladimir Guerrero, sidelined since May 20 because of a dislocated left shoulder, hasn’t resumed hitting. “He’s progressing every day, so we’re confident he’s going to be back in a reasonable amount of time,” Manager Mike Scioscia said.