Angels Focus on Another Jackson : Baseball: General manager says he wants to sign Darrin Jackson, but first he must trade Curtis.

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Angels, in anticipation of a possible trade involving center fielder Chad Curtis, have set their sights on free-agent outfielder Darrin Jackson.

Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi confirmed the club’s desire for Jackson, but first must clear the way by trading Curtis, who is guaranteed $3.9 million the next two seasons. There are four teams, according to sources, interested in Curtis.

“We’d like to have (Jackson),” Bavasi said Tuesday, “but only if we move an outfielder. We can’t do anything before that.”

Jackson, considered one of the league’s premier defensive outfielders, batted .312 last season with 10 homers and 51 RBIs for the Chicago White Sox. He made only one error in 226 total chances, and finished with the league’s third-highest fielding percentage.

“I’d love to be with the Angels,” said Jackson, who grew up 40 minutes from Anaheim Stadium in Culver City. “Those are my old stomping grounds. How can you not want to go back there?”

The Angels contacted Jackson’s agent, Alan Meersand, the day Jackson filed for free agency. They have kept in constant contact the last few weeks, Meersand said, reiterating their interest.

“Billy (Bavasi) called me at home the first night,” Meersand said, “and told me they have a lot of interest in him. They have been very sincere the whole time.

“If they give us a three-year deal, and it’s at the right dollars, it’s going to be easy to get a signature.”

Jackson, who also is being courted by the White Sox, San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox, is seeking a three-year deal for about $7.5 million, according to sources.

Although the Angels are reluctant to provide a three-year contract, they say it’s more reasonable than a three-year, $12-million request from free agent Mickey Tettleton.

“He’s asking for a good chunk of change,” Bavasi said of Tettleton’s request, “and right now we just can’t afford it.”

The Angels, who have been given a $24.5-million budget for 1995, have room to add only about $1 million in salaries, Bavasi said. Yet, by trading Curtis and allowing outfielder Bo Jackson to leave as a free agent would free $2.9 million from the payroll.

“I think it would be a great fit,” said Darrin Jackson, who became the White Sox’s everyday right fielder in 1994 when Ellis Burks signed with the Colorado Rockies. “Really, it would be a dream come true for me. I’ve loved the Angels ever since they got Reggie Jackson, and I think the world of (hitting coach) Rod Carew.

“If they want a center fielder, I’m ready to come.”

Notes

Max Oliveras, fired as the Angels’ first base coach, said Tuesday he was offered the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen coach job. He’s expected to accept their offer today. . . . Saying he needed a baseball fix, Angel owner Gene Autry arrived in town Tuesday to watch the Arizona Fall League. . . . The Boston Red Sox had trade discussions Tuesday with the Texas Rangers in an attempt to acquire designated hitter Jose Canseco. Ranger General Manager Doug Melvin, however, is insisting on at least one premium pitcher. . . . Melvin, born and raised in Canada, on how pitcher Ferguson Jenkins changed his life: “I quit hockey when I was 12 or 13 because I wanted to be like him. Well, another reason was because hockey practice was always at 5 in the morning.” . . . The Toronto Blue Jays had trade talks with the Seattle Mariners regarding left-handed starter Randy Johnson. . . . Pitcher Jack Morris has expressed his desire to return to the Minnesota Twins. However, Twin General Manager Terry Ryan said he has no interest.