Greene’s Dive Given Low Marks

Todd Greene took to the air, and Manager Terry Collins took to the smelling salts. Here was the Angels’ prized catcher, surgically repaired shoulder and all, diving headfirst into second on a double during Tuesday’s 12-4 exhibition victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

“I almost fainted,” Collins said. “When I saw him start to dive I said, ‘Oh no, please don’t . . . ‘ Well, not quite in those terms. Can you imagine if Dr. [Lewis] Yocum was in the stands? I told Todd I appreciate his hustle, but I don’t want to see that again in spring training. He got caught up in the game, and that’s why we love him, but we want him in the lineup.”

Greene, who was the designated hitter Tuesday and is not expected to catch in a game until at least March 18, said instincts took over.

“They chewed my . . . out for that, but the first time you try to play it safe, that’s when you get hurt,” he said. “I went in full speed.”

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Greene and Phil Nevin agreed to terms on one-year contracts. Greene will get $200,000, Nevin $210,000. Also agreeing to terms on one-year deals were Jason Dickson, Mike Holtz, Darrell May, Robert Eenhoorn, Orlando Palmeiro and Mike Bovee.