Angels Possible Manager List Includes Everyone

The California Angels are said to have more than 100 candidates on their preliminary list of possible managers for the 1997 season, including Baltimore Orioles hitting coach Rick Down, former Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners manager Jim Lefebrve, manager-turned-broadcaster Jeff Torborg (a former Angel), Jim Fregosi, Sparky Anderson and Rene Lachemann, who would probably bring back brother Marcel as pitching coach if he were hired.

General Manager Bill Bavasi has his work cut out for him, because the club is looking for experience and stability, while making it clear that it doesn’t want to recycle a member of the usual managerial talent pool.

The club probably will give its new manager a long-term contract to create the kind of stable environment the Angels have not had since Bill Rigney mothered the fledgling club for eight years in the 1960s. That will make it difficult to hire anyone without major league experience. If there was any doubt that Marcel Lachemann gave up the job voluntarily, there won’t be when he returns as the Angels organizational pitching coordinator or major league pitching coach.

The parting was amicable, and Angels sources claim they are anxious to have him back with the club in one of those two capacities next year.

Molitor should be commended

Twins designated hitter Paul Molitor is the only Minnesota player to start every game this year, which is slightly amazing considering that he turns 40 on Thursday and he used to be one of the most injury-prone players in professional sports. And he continues to play like he’s 30, ranking among the league leaders in hits and batting average.

The last Twins player to play all 162 games was third baseman Gary Gaetti in 1984. It’s a tall order on artificial turf, but Molitor doesn’t have to contend with that as much because he is the full-time DH.

Who will win Florida?

John Boles, who replaced Rene Lachemann as manager of the Florida Marlins, doesn’t know if he will return next season. That, he said, is up to his players.

So, sometime in September, they’ll have an election. Really.

Nay votes mean no Boles.

Yeah votes will be known as pro Boles.

As word spread of this unique approach, one player was heard to say to another, “You hear that? I think the Boles is running.”

Will’s no thrill

The ever-ornery Will Clark, a career .300 hitter before this season, went into the weekend batting .282, with seven home runs (only two since June 1) and 48 RBIs. He has been on the disabled list three times, once more than in his entire career before this year, and has lost his customary No. 3 spot in the Texas Rangers’ lineup to Rusty Greer.

So, can Clark still hit?

A veteran scout said Clark no longer has the bat speed he once did, and pitchers with good fastballs pound him inside because he can’t get around on that pitch.

Clark said the problem is that after being on the DL from June 8-22 with a pulled left quadriceps muscle, from June 30-July 16 because of a bruised rib cage and from July 17-Aug. 4 because of a strained calf, he’s almost starting from scatch.

“It’s like being in spring training all over again,” he said.

Timlin off limits for Redbirds

St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty confirms he has talked to the Blue Jays regarding relief help, but has been told closer Mike Timlin is not available.

Timlin did not clear waivers, and the Jays have pulled him back. “We’re not going to be moving Mike,” said Toronto GM Gord Ash. “If we had wanted to do that, we would’ve done so.” Jocketty said he has little interest in the very available Paul Quantrill, Bill Risley or Tony Castillo.

Around the league

Despite Tim Wallach’s big week, rumors persist that the Dodgers will make another run at the Phillies’ Todd Zeile. But the Dodgers also have talked to the Twins about Dave Hollins. . … Forget those reports that the Yankees claimed Chuck Knoblauch on waivers last week to keep him from being dealt to Cleveland. There are no indications that the Twins were looking to trade Knoblauch anywhere. And the Yankees have claimed several big names - including Curt Schilling, Terry Steinbach and John Smiley.

Marge Schott was her usual shy, out-of-the-spotlight self last week. When the Reds posed for their team picture, Schott and first fido Schottzie 02 were in it, but general manager Jim Bowden and interim CEO John Allen were told that their mugs weren’t required. Meanwhile, Schott attended Jim Bunning’s Hall of Fame induction, telling one inquiring mind that “Bunting asked me to come.” Woof.

The much heralded Brien Taylor, the Yankees’ No. 1 pick in the 1991 draft, is a mess. In two starts last week in the South Atlantic League, he faced 15 hitters, walking 10, throwing three wild pitches, hitting a batter, and giving up two homers and 11 runs. He got two outs. … Cleveland won’t be hurt this winter if players get service time when a labor agreement is reached, but Kenny Lofton will be a free agent at the end of the ‘97 season. But if service time isn’t granted, he’ll be eligible for arbitration, and thus belong to the Indians for one more year.