BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Coleman Won’t Be Wearing a Halo

Whitey Herzog, Angel vice president/baseball personnel, cherished him when he managed the St. Louis Cardinals.

Angel Manager Buck Rodgers considers him one of the top leadoff hitters in the game.

So, since the Angels haven’t exactly been overwhelmed by Luis Polonia’s performance this season, and probably won’t be offering a lucrative contract to retain him when he files for free agency, would they actually consider signing . . . Vince Coleman?

“If we signed Coleman, I’d have to sit one of three guys down, and I couldn’t justify doing that,” Rodgers said. “Plus, I don’t think Vince Coleman would like to come right back to the L.A. area after being tried as a felon.”

Coleman is charged with carrying an explosive device, and is on an unpaid leave of absence from the New York Mets. The Mets are strongly considering releasing him with one year left on his contract.

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Angel starter Chuck Finley, who suffered a bruised left toe during Friday’s start, might be skipped in the rotation and start instead in Seattle.

It could work out well for the Angels, considering that Finley has a 2-4 record and 5.77 earned-run average in Texas, and is 9-3 with a 2.11 ERA against Seattle.

“(Rodgers) is always finding something to keep me from pitching in Texas,” Finley said, laughing. “Let’s face it, he just doesn’t want me pitching there.”

Finley, who will probably start Saturday in Seattle, said his toe is fine.

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Stan Javier, who went four for four and reached base in all five plate appearances Friday, found himself in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game. He started at first base, giving him back-to-back starts for the first time since June 26-27.

“I couldn’t justify a four-for-four with a walk, and getting him out of there,” Rodgers said. “I had to find a spot for him.