Moreno Has a Fan in Zito

Angel owner Arte Moreno has been a hit with fans -- at least, those who weren’t too offended by his decision to change the team’s name.

His lowering of beer prices, his commitment to spend the money to field a perennial contender, and his ability to mingle with parents and kids on a stadium concourse as easily as he does with millionaire players in the clubhouse, are among the things that have endeared the bilingual Moreno to fans and players.

Moreno’s Q-rating might also help the Angels attract the most sought-after pitcher in next winter’s free-agent market.

Barry Zito is not tipping his hand when it comes to his impending free agency, but the Oakland left-hander has noticed what Moreno has done in Anaheim and has been impressed.

“It’s really cool to see a guy come in and lower beer prices for fans and to be a guy who is out there,” Zito said. “So many [owners] are unseen, they’re just an idea to players. He’s concrete, tangible. It’s exciting to see someone like that around fans instead of some rich guy just making millions off it, like a real-life poker game.”

The Angels, if they decide to pursue Zito, who has an 87-55 career record and 3.53 earned-run average, have a few other things going for them. Zito makes his off-season home in West Hollywood, his immediate family members live in Southern California, and he played at USC.

The Angels also have the resources to sign the 27-year-old Zito, who could command a deal in the six-year, $75-million range.

But Zito, despite early-season speculation that both New York teams are already coveting him, said he is not leaning any particular way.

“If nothing works out with Oakland, it’s going to be a tough decision,” said Zito, who won’t pitch against the Angels in this series. “I know it’s looming, it’s six months away, but it’s not in the forefront of my mind. I’ll go down a checklist at some point to see what the coolest places are.”

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Tim Salmon, who hadn’t played since being pulled from last Sunday’s game in Baltimore because of a groin injury, was in the starting lineup Friday night, but the designated hitter was scratched -- not because he suffered a setback, but because left fielder Garret Anderson’s strained left arch was acting up.

The Angels moved Anderson from left field to designated hitter, switched Chone Figgins from third base to left field, and started Maicer Izturis at third.

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Juan Rivera, out since Monday because of a rib cage strain, took batting practice for the first time in five days Friday and could return this weekend. Manager Mike Scioscia said he does not expect Rivera to go on the disabled list.... Bartolo Colon, on the DL because of shoulder inflammation, will begin playing catch Sunday.