New radio plan is on the way

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels’ radio venture got off to a rocky start this spring, with fans tuning in to the team-owned station expecting to hear exhibition games and instead hearing syndicated talk shows. But the Angels are working to launch a new 830, with live exhibition broadcasts returning Monday, more of a focus on the team and more sports programming in general.

“We’re trying to make it a local sports option,” said John Carpino, the Angels’ senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Angels owner Arte Moreno bought the station two years ago, gradually changing the format and adopting the KLAA call letters that identified the station with the team. When the Angels’ contract with 710 expired last season -- a contract that included live broadcasts of spring games -- Moreno moved the Angels to 830.

The live spring broadcasts did not follow, so fans could not hear live coverage of the Angels’ 6-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday. But, after negotiations with syndicators holding contractual rights to afternoon slots, live weekday broadcasts will resume Monday, with live weekend broadcasts to be determined, spokesman Tim Mead said.

All regular-season games will be broadcast live, Carpino said. He said the station also would consider adding a local sports show during morning drive time and expanding pregame shows before night games into afternoon drive time.

Santana gets a pay cut

Pitcher Ervin Santana said he was unaware of the circumstances by which he took a pay cut from the $425,000 he made last year.

He said he could not discuss the decision to reject a $430,000 offer -- after which the Angels renewed his contract Sunday for $420,000 -- until after he spoke with his agent, Bean Stringfellow.

“If I knew what was going on, I’d tell you,” Santana said.

Stringfellow did not return calls for the second consecutive day.

Bootcheck is sidelined

Reliever Chris Bootcheck could open the season on the disabled list. Manager Mike Scioscia indicated that Bootcheck, who left Sunday’s game because of a strained muscle in his side, would be sidelined for a significant amount of time.

Scioscia said the Angels plan to carry six relievers, with Francisco Rodriguez, Scot Shields, Justin Speier, Darren Oliver and Dustin Moseley assured of spots. Bootcheck’s injury could open a spot for Rich Thompson, Matt Wilhite, Kasey Olenberger or Alex Serrano, among others.

Lackey passes bullpen test

John Lackey pronounced himself fine after throwing a 40-pitch bullpen session, his first time on a mound since reporting a sore elbow last week. The Angels’ ace is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Sunday, tentatively lining him up to start the fifth game of the regular season -- the home opener against the Texas Rangers.

Hunter is not perfect

Torii Hunter finally made an out, but he also doubled and tripled. In seven at-bats this spring, he has six hits, including a home run, a triple and three doubles. . . . Casey Kotchman and Howie Kendrick also had two hits, with Joe Saunders and five relievers combining on a four-hitter. Saunders pitched two scoreless innings in his spring debut. . . . Ross Porter taped an episode of his “Real Sports Heroes” radio show with the loquacious Hunter. “He gives you five shows,” Porter said with a smile.

--

bill.shaikin@latimes.com