Abbott May Take Buyout

Pitcher Jim Abbott may be considering a buyout of the remaining two years and $5.6 million on his Angel contract, but he gave no indication Monday as to whether he will remain with the organization or in baseball.

“I have a lot of respect and affinity for the Angels . . . and I’d like to do something in concert with them that is fair for both sides,� Abbott said by phone from Orange County.

Abbott, struggling with a 13.50 earned-run average this spring, left camp Sunday so that he and the Angels “could evaluate his current situation on the ballclub,� according to General Manager Bill Bavasi.

The Angels have asked Abbott to return to the minor leagues, but as a player with five or more years in the big leagues, he can refuse the assignment. If he declines, the Angels will release him and be required to pay the balance of his three-year, $7.8-million contract.

But it’s possible Abbott could feel uncomfortable taking $5.6 million from the club, and if that were the case, he and the Angels could negotiate a settlement. Scott Boras, Abbott’s agent, said he is not considering retirement.

*

He didn’t have perfect command of his pitches, but closer Troy Percival looked very strong Monday, throwing a scoreless eighth inning in a 5-1 exhibition loss to the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz.

Percival, sidelined for two weeks because of back spasms, walked three, but his pitches were around the plate. He appeared to have little trouble with his delivery, and his fastball was moving.

Starter Jason Dickson was also impressive, giving up a run on four hits in five innings, striking out four and walking two. The rookie right-hander lowered his spring ERA to 3.00.

*

Chuck Finley threw off a mound for the first time since breaking the bone below his right eye March 15. He hopes to return to the rotation by mid-April.