Spring Site Talks Continue

Although the Angels could announce an agreement to move their spring home to Goodyear, Ariz., within the next few weeks, owner Arte Moreno said Tuesday no deal had been reached.

Ted Ferris, president of Arizona’s Sports and Tourism Authority, said he believed the Angels were on the verge of signing a letter of intent, binding them to move to Goodyear if city voters approve spending $10 million toward the construction of a training complex. The tourism authority already has agreed to fund an additional $20 million of the project, contingent upon another team replacing the Angels at their current home in Tempe.

Goodyear Mayor Jim Cavanaugh said through a spokesperson that the Angels had asked him to refrain from comment, often an indication negotiations are in a sensitive stage.

Tempe City Manager Will Manley said he had not negotiated with the Angels in months. Angel President Dennis Kuhl said he visited officials in Goodyear and Tempe last week, but primarily to introduce himself.

Moreno said he had not committed to Goodyear and said he hoped to reach a decision in 30 to 45 days.

“We’re still weighing Goodyear and Tempe,” Moreno said.

In Goodyear, 18 miles west of Phoenix, Moreno would donate land for a training complex within the 20,000-acre residential and commercial development in which he is a partner. The Angels would prefer to move in 2006, although their lease in Tempe extends through 2007.

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The latest issue of Sports Illustrated ranks Moreno as the most influential minority in American sport, with Tiger Woods ranking second, Yao Ming third and LeBron James fourth. Although Moreno calls himself an American, not a Latino, he said he was “flattered” by the selection.

“There are so many people that do things that are so important,” said Moreno, the first minority owner in the major leagues and the first Latino owner in any of the four major North American sports. “I’m always humbled by people in society working to do good things. I’m just trying to be a baseball guy.”

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Doctors ordered precautionary X-rays Tuesday for Jarrod Washburn, forced from his last start Sunday by neck and back spasms. Although Washburn said “it hasn’t quit spasm-ing,” he said doctors found no irregularities in the X-rays and ordered no additional tests. He said he would remain on anti-inflammatory medication and skip the usual between-starts throwing session this week, and the Angels remain hopeful he can start as scheduled Friday.

If he cannot, the Angels could use one of three relievers -- Matt Hensley, Kevin Gregg or Scot Shields -- for a spot start. They also could promote triple-A starters Chris Bootcheck or Jake Woods.

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As expected, John Lackey dropped the appeal of his five-game suspension. The Angels juggled their rotation this week so Lackey would have five games between starts, rendering the suspension moot.