BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Catchers Struggling at Plate

The Angels had some concerns about the defensive liabilities of their catching platoon of Greg Myers and Chris Turner, but after both had impressive spring performances at the plate, the Angels figured to get some offense from the position.

So far, however, Myers and Turner have struggled. Going into Wednesday night’s game, they had combined for four hits in 30 at-bats.

Myers and Turner have have been splitting time behind the plate pretty equally so far, but Manager Buck Rodgers has made it clear that whoever hits will play the most.

“There might be some self-inflicted pressure there,” Rodgers said, “but there’s not much we can do about that. There’s always going to be pressure in this game, and maybe it’s good that we find out right now and get rid of everybody who can’t handle it.”

Rodgers hinted that if both Turner and Myers continue to have trouble with the bat, prospect Jorge Fabregas, now at triple-A Vancouver, might be called up sooner rather than later.

*

Shortstop Gary DiSarcina’s batting average has hovered around .400 since opening day, and Rodgers says hitting instructor Rod Carew deserves some of the credit for DiSarcina’s quick start.

“He and Rod have worked hard at flattening out his swing,” Rodgers said, “and he’s really been able to stay on top of the ball. He’s not trying to pull the ball, just going with the pitches. He tomahawked a ball (Tuesday night) for a hit off a pitch that he would have had no chance on last year.”

DiSarcina also had a quick start last season, when he hit safely in 11 of the first 13 games.

*

The American League has sent a directive to teams detailing a relaxed policy on the showing of replays of close calls as long as they are not used to show up umpires or incite the crowd. The Angels, however, plan to continue their policy of refraining from showing controversial plays.

“There are some crazy people in the stands,” Rodgers said. “We had an apple thrown at (Cleveland outfielder Kenny) Lofton the other night, and the fans in Anaheim are the most sedate in baseball.”