Gonzales Proves His Value : Angels: Infielder, frustrated by utility role, has two doubles to help defeat the Brewers, 6-1.

MILWAUKEE —  This has been the most frustrating season of his career, but Angel infielder Rene Gonzales has managed to conceal his feelings.

He never once complained to management about losing his starting third base job to Kelly Gruber, although he still contends it was grossly unfair. He never complained when Damion Easley was moved to third base, although Gonzales was perplexed. He never sulked when they brought up rookie Eduardo Perez this month, although Gonzales believes he deserves to be somewhere in the starting lineup.

Gonzales knows that the Angels simply don’t view him as an everyday player--which might result in his departure after the season--but he proved Sunday in the Angels’ 6-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers that his value shouldn’t be underestimated.

Gonzales, starting at second base for only the second time this season, had two doubles and drove in two runs, providing all of the support Mark Langston (14-6) would need for the victory before 18,057 at Milwaukee County Stadium. It was the first time since May 5-6 that the Angels won back-to-back road games.

Gonzales broke it open in the third inning with his two-out, two-run double against starter Rafael Novoa, who was placed on the disabled list after the game because of a strained shoulder. It was the first time Gonzales has had two extra-base hits in a game this season, increasing his batting average to .265 with 24 runs batted in.

“This has been one of the strangest years I’ve ever had,” Gonzales said. “In the past, it was cut and dried--you’re a starter or a utilityman. This year, I’ve never been able to know what my role is.

“All I know is that I haven’t been able to play as much as I wanted to, and it’s frustrating not being in the lineup. That’s why you play the game. I can accept the situation, but that doesn’t mean I have to be satisfied with it.”

While Angel management acknowledges that Gonzales is their finest defensive third baseman, they cite his lack of power. Gonzales has only one homer and 16 extra-base hits this season, and had only 16 RBIs while playing every day at third before Gruber was activated June 3.

“I would like to have him back, he’s good for this club, but at what price, I don’t know,” Angel Manager Buck Rodgers said. “You can’t pay a lot of money to utility players, and I could not in all good conscience tell him that if he came back next year, it would be as a regular.”

Gonzales will earn $600,000 this season, and $900,000 next season if the Angels pick up his option instead of paying a $150,000 buyout.

Privately, the Angels have already decided that they will pay the buyout, and then attempt to negotiate a new contract for about $400,000-$500,000. The Angels have yet to inform Gonzales of the decision, but have already told teammate Chili Davis that they will pick up Davis’ 1994 option only if he is willing to restructure his contract. Gonzales said he will probably inquire this week about his fate.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I don’t think its fair if I had to take a pay cut,” said Gonzales, whose .362 on-base percentage is second-highest on the team among regulars.

“I know I can do the job, man, I just want the chance.”