Stoneman Undecided on Colon and Escobar

General Manager Bill Stoneman said he “hasn’t ruled out” petitioning Major League Baseball to bar pitchers Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar from the World Baseball Classic by today’s deadline, but after watching the right-handers throw their third bullpen sessions of the spring Monday, Stoneman was “encouraged” by their progress.

“The real question to me is will they be ready in time for that first round,” Stoneman said. “If [today] is a real deadline, we’re going to be making a decision that you’d rather make at a later date.”

Stoneman plans to call MLB today to determine whether the Angels can block a player after today’s deadline, and to clarify rules stating that the WBC may deny a player whose participation would impose an undue hardship to a club, such as having too many starting pitchers in the tournament.

Angel starter Ervin Santana officially backed out of the WBC on Monday, but Colon (Dominican Republic) and Escobar (Venezuela) plan to play. The Angels also have three relievers -- Francisco Rodriguez (Venezuela), Scot Shields (U.S.) and J.C. Romero (Puerto Rico) -- who have committed to playing.

Colon is recovering from a slight tear in the back of his shoulder, an injury he suffered last October. Escobar had surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow in 2005 and is returning to the rotation after finishing last season in the bullpen.

WBC pool play in the U.S. and Puerto Rico begins March 7, but the Angels were told by Dominican pitching coach Bill Castro that Colon wouldn’t start until the second game, March 9, against Italy.

“The uniqueness of these guys having to be at a higher level in a higher-intensity game this early in spring ... it’s a concern,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “It’s tougher to pull yourself out if you’re feeling tight. Bill has to have the organization’s best interests in mind but balance that with the honor it is for these guys to pitch for their countries.... There’s still some gray area that we have to work through.”

When Escobar arrived in Tempe he “doubted” he’d be able to pitch in the WBC, but after three bullpen sessions, “I feel good, I feel strong, I feel I’ll be game-ready in one week,” he said. “So I have no doubt in my mind.” However, Escobar added, “If I’m not 100%, I’m not going to go.”

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Third baseman Dallas McPherson walked into the clubhouse Monday morning with a new first baseman’s mitt and orders to spend some time working out at the position.

McPherson, who appears to have lost his third base spot to leadoff batter Chone Figgins, said the request was made for “versatility reasons,” but he was not about to concede that he is a “utility player” just yet.

“I haven’t seen a lineup that says I’m not the third baseman,” said McPherson, who hit 40 minor league home runs in 2004, was handed the third base job in 2005 but missed most of last season because of injuries. “Until I see that lineup, I’m going to work hard at wherever they put me.”

McPherson, who had surgery on his hip last August but has looked comfortable running in camp so far, played some first base in college and rookie ball. Though there are a number of adjustments and challenges on the other side of the infield, “I think I can be just as solid at first as I am at third,” McPherson said.

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After two days of deliberation, Santana decided to back out of the WBC “because I want to work hard here and get ready for the season, and I don’t know if I would have been ready for the WBC,” he said. “I’m OK with it because nobody told me I couldn’t pitch in the Classic.” ... The Angels were the only team in baseball with five players ranked in Baseball Prospectus’ Top 50 Prospects Report, which was published Monday. Second baseman Howie Kendrick was the fifth-rated prospect, shortstop Brandon Wood was sixth, first baseman Kendry Morales 26th, pitcher Jered Weaver 35th and shortstop Erick Aybar 50th.... The Angels will hold their first full-squad workout today.