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Angels Can’t Sign Own Free Agents, but They Sign Former Dodger Fimple

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The Angels signed a free agent Wednesday, but it wasn’t Bob Boone, Doug DeCinces or Brian Downing. As additional protection, perhaps, for the possible loss of Boone, the Angels signed ex- Dodger catcher Jack Fimple for their Edmonton farm club of the Pacific Coast League.

Fimple, 28, became a free agent recently when the Dodgers refused to offer him a 1987 contract. He batted .286 at Albuquerque last season and .077 in 13 games with the Dodgers.

If Boone, DeCinces and Downing remain unsigned after 9 tonight, they cannot re-sign with the Angels until May 1. Sources with knowledge of the negotiations said Wednesday that a meeting between General Manager Mike Port and attorney Tom Reich at Anaheim Stadium this morning is expected to produce a two-year guaranteed contract for Downing but that the club will continue to offer DeCinces and Boone only one year guaranteed.

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Neither DeCinces nor his agent, Ron Shapiro, could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Attorney Arthur Rosenberg, who represents Boone, alluded to the Angels’ one year offer at a “substantial” cut from Boone’s $700,000 of last year and said, “I don’t mind that there has been no headway, but I do mind that there has been no dialogue. We sent the Angels a proposal via letter a week ago Wednesday and haven’t gotten a response. I don’t know if we’ll call tomorrow. I don’t know if Bob will be back with the Angels or not.”

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