BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Team Asks Davis to Restructure Deal

The Angels have informed designated hitter Chili Davis that they want him back for the 1994 season, but only if he’s willing to restructure his contract.

Davis, who earned $2.4 million this season--a base salary of $1.75 million plus $650,000 for reaching 500 plate appearances--could make $3.1 million in 1994 if the Angels pick up his option. If the Angels choose not to pick up his option, they are obligated to pay him $500,000.

“It makes me feel real good that they want me back,” Davis said, “but I know it’s also very easy for them to buy out the contract and say, ‘Goodby.’

“I know if they really want me back, they’ll make an offer appealing enough so I’ll come back. I don’t expect to make $3-4 million a year, but I’d like to get a few more years in and see what happens after that.”

Davis was informed of the Angels’ intentions by President Richard Brown and Vice President Whitey Herzog. They each asked if Davis wanted to return, which he does, and then told Davis it would be necessary to restructure the contract. The Angels would like to pay Davis his guaranteed salary of $2.4 million, but eliminate the incentives.

“I’m not going to worry about it,” said Davis, who has 90 runs batted in, three shy of his career high. “Whatever’s going to happen, is going to happen. You can’t make someone do it. Let’s face it, this is a business.”

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Angel starter Mark Langston lowered his league-leading earned-run average to 2.78 with his six-inning performance Sunday, yielding five hits and one unearned run. Although Langston would gladly trade his statistics for a pennant race, he said he would enjoy an ERA title.

“That would be nice because it shows your consistency,” Langston said. “I’ve really felt strong the last three starts. It’s funny, I always feel stronger toward the end of the season than I do at any point during the season.”

Langston also has won five of his last six decisions, including six of the Angels’ 23 road victories this season.

“We should have won every game this trip,” said Langston of the 3-4 trip. “We’ve been terrible on the road all year, and if we can’t improve on that, you can’t expect to be in pennant contention.”

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Angel first baseman J.T. Snow homered for the first time since July 2, and although he batted only .143 (two for 14) in the four-game series against Milwaukee, Manager Buck Rodgers said it’s the best Snow has looked in months. . . . Angel center fielder Chad Curtis extended his hitting streak to 12 games with his third-inning single, . . . Brewer starter Rafael Novoa, who gave up six hits and five runs in 3 1/3 innings, was placed on the disabled list after the game because of a strained left shoulder.