BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Tanana Expected to Be Released

The Angels, determining that 40-year-old starter Frank Tanana can not remedy their pitching woes, turned around Saturday and signed Mark Leiter to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract.

The Angels are expected to release Tanana today, enabling Leiter--who was released Tuesday by the Detroit Tigers--to bid for the fifth spot in the rotation. If Leiter, 6-6 with a 4.72 ERA last season, fails to win a starting job, he probably will be employed in the bullpen as a long reliever.

The Angels, who until two days ago had no interest in Leiter, were persuaded by scout Joe McDonald to sign him. McDonald never saw Leiter pitch this spring, but he went on the recommendation of Tiger Manager Sparky Anderson.

“We did not have a lot of interest,” General Manager Bill Bavasi said, “but we were told we better take a look at this guy. With the pitching we have, we really cannot afford not to take a look. We were told he’s better than what we have.”

Leiter’s emergence signifies Tanana’s departure. The Angels had hoped that Tanana could at least provide insurance until left-hander Joe Magrane returned to the rotation, but lost faith after watching his performance in his first three outings. Tanana was 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA this spring, allowing 23 baserunners in 8 2/3 innings.

“We’ve reached some decisions,” Bavasi said, “but we still have to finalize some things. If we decide someone can’t make the club, we’re better off releasing them now.”

The Angels also are expected to release reliever Shawn Hillegas today, but might wait before releasing reliever Craig Lefferts.

Despite the addition of Leiter, the Angels, who will have to pay Tanana $50,000 in termination pay, will continue to look outside the organization for a fifth starter. They will open the season with Mark Langston, Chuck Finley, Phil Leftwich and John Dopson.

They are willing to trade first baseman J.T. Snow to the New York Mets for starter Anthony Young, but if they are unhappy with Young’s next performance, they probably will keep Snow and trade Dwight Smith.

The Angels are mulling several trade offers for Smith, but have not been offered a fourth- or fifth-starter in return. They probably will wait until a decision is made on Young before considering any offers for Smith.

“The ultimate question is can we open with Dwight Smith and J.T. Snow,” Angel Manager Buck Rodgers said. “One of them might have to go. We’re more concerned about our pitching than J.T. Snow and Dwight Smith.

“And right now, our pitchers aren’t jumping out to the fourth and fifth spots.”

If the Angels trade Snow, Rodgers said he probably will employ a platoon of Bo Jackson and Smith in left field. Jim Edmonds would be used primarily as a pinch-hitter and defensive replacement in the late innings. Although Jackson has been adequate defensively, Smith has struggled, misplaying several balls in the outfield.

“I still think he could handle it OK,” Rodgers said. “Luis (Polonia) was a lot worse outfielder than Dwight Smith. He can be a good outfielder because he’s got speed, but it’s up to him if he wants to work.”

Rodgers said that second baseman Kevin Flora (.200, one homer, one RBI) must show improvement or he will open the season in triple-A Vancouver.

“If opening day was tomorrow,” Rodgers said, “he’d be in the minor leagues. What’s good for the California Angels and what’s good for Kevin Flora may be conflicting. He’s had shaky offense and shaky defense, but I do see good range and good speed.

“The whole key to Kevin is momentum. If his momentum keeps going up, it would be better to take him with us. If it levels off or goes down, it’s not going to help him going to the big leagues.”

The Angels also decided that Spike Owen, who is guaranteed $500,000 each of the next two seasons, will be kept on the team along with Rod Correia as utility infielders. They will attempt to trade Torey Lovullo and Mike Brumley.

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Starting pitcher Andrew Lorraine finished the last of his four final examinations Friday to complete his degree at Stanford, but instead of a feeling of exhilaration, he was informed Saturday that he was being optioned to their minor league camp.

“Pretty ironic, huh?” Lorraine said. “I finally get done with my studies, have some free time, and this happens.”

Lorraine, the Angels’ 1993 fourth-round pick from Stanford, made a strong impression during camp. He is expected to compete for a spot in the rotation next season.

“This has been good for me,” Lorraine said. “It makes me more determined. I know I was a longshot, but the longer you’re around, the harder it is to accept.”

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Starter John Farrell has decided to accept his minor league assignment with the Angels.