BASEBALL

The fantasy camp atmosphere that pervaded the Angel clubhouse during the first few weeks of spring training has dissipated.

The replacement Angels are a week away from opening the Freeway Series against the Dodgers in Anaheim Stadium, the front office is trying to lure more minor leaguers across the union’s symbolic picket line and tensions are beginning to mount.

“It’s only natural to feel some pressure,” pitcher Steve Peck said. “A lot of us have come a long way in five weeks, and it would be disheartening to lose your job three days before camp breaks.

Manager Marcel Lachemann said two more minor leaguers might join the Angels by this weekend.

“They’re obviously aware people are coming over, that we’re trying to make the club better,” Lachemann said.

The realization that they are going to start the season with these guys is also starting to sink in.

“The first few weeks, no one was really sure what was going on or how long this would last,” outfielder Randy Hood said. “Now everyone’s taking this a little more serious, and things are more tense.”