Angels, Mariners Contend for Pitcher

The pursuit of Cuban pitcher Orlando Hernandez could have a major impact on the American League West race because the Angels and Seattle Mariners are leading contenders in the “El Duque” derby.

Seattle begins spring training this weekend in dire need of a fifth starter--the favorite going into camp is reliever Paul Spoljaric, who has one start in his 87 appearances.

The Angel rotation appears set with Chuck Finley, Ken Hill, Allen Watson, Jason Dickson and either Omar Olivares or William VanLandingham, but the team believes Hernandez would upgrade the staff, and it would hate to see the former Cuban national team star land with the rival Mariners.

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also among the favorites to sign the free-agent right-hander, and the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays increased their level of interest Friday, the first day Hernandez’s agent, Joe Cubas, could field official offers.

“There’s been a tremendous flurry of activity today,” said Rene Guim, an associate of the Miami-based Cubas. “Joe will continue to negotiate through the weekend and will probably begin face-to-face meetings with general managers early next week.”

The Angels are also one of four teams that have made offers to free-agent right-hander Jack McDowell, who is attempting to return from elbow surgery that sidelined him for most of 1997.

Jim McDowell, Jack’s brother and agent, said the offers were “not in the range we were looking for,” so Jack probably will travel to camps in Arizona and Florida next weekend to throw again for teams interested in him.

“The Angels have seen him about six times, and we’ve offered to throw for [Manager] Terry Collins and [pitching coach] Marcel Lachemann,” Jim McDowell said. “It makes sense for people to see him on more of an updated basis.”

The Angels also agreed to terms with minor league infielder Justin Baughman and right-hander Anthony Chavez.