Spring Training / Angels : Brown Is Hurt Again, Has Private Talk With Mauch

MESA, Ariz —  Gene Mauch said it was intended to be a motivational thorn in Mike Brown’s side. Brown viewed it as another example of the Angeles’ unwillingness to believe he is hurt. He responded by marching into the manager’s office Tuesday for a private meeting that ended peacefully.

The scenario began in batting practice Monday when a pitch thrown by Luis Sanchez hit Brown, who is already nursing a strained right quadricep muscle, on his right wrist.

He was unable to throw or take batting practice Tuesday. The Angeles open exhibition play today, but the start of Brown’s bid to succeed right fielder Fred Lynn and keep Reggie Jackson in the DH role will be delayed a few days.

“If I was Mike Brown,” Mauch said at the end of Tuesday’s workout, “I’d go up and swing one-handed if I had to. I’d want to make sure that I was out there and no one else.”

The quote was relayed to Brown, who said: “I can’t seem to make anyone believe me that it hurts, and that leaves me with a funny feeling. I’m going to find out about this.”

Brown met briefly with Mauch, then returned to his locker and said: “It was just a motivational thing. He wants me to take the job and keep it. I told him this is a one-or two-day thing and I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

Angel Notes

Rod Carew was also victimized by Luis Sanchez. Carew was hit on his left calf by a pitch and is doubtful for today’s double-header that finds Ken Forsch, Tommy John and Jim Slaton pitching the afternoon ‘A’ game against Seattle at Tempe and Kirk McCaskill, Bob Kipper and Rafael Lugo pitching the morning ‘B’ game against Chicago at Mesa...On the start of exhibition play, Manager Gene Mauch said: “They’re anxious to play and I’m anxious to see them play.” Daryl Sconiers missed his 12th workout and has now been fined $2,940. Said Mauch: “There might come a time when we have to suspend him, but all I’m thinking now is that I wish he was here and trying to win a job, though I think about it only when you people (the media) bring it up. Daryl is capable of doing some fine things as a major-league player, but he hasn’t cone enough yet that I’m going to drive myself crazy over the fact that he’s not here.”...Patricia Marie Watkowski, an aide to Angel owner Gene Autry for 18 years and a vice president of Golden West Broadcasters, died in Palm Springs Monday night after a long illness. Watkowski was 55. Viewing will be from 7 to 9 Wednesday night at J.T. Oswald Mortuary in N. Hollywood. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Charles Catholic Church.