Angels in the Right League to Sign Versatile Hollins

The Angels, who have long been frustrated in their attempts to woo the fans of Southern California away from the Dodgers, were at least able to beat their rivals for the services of veteran infielder Dave Hollins.

Hollins, who has played on four teams during the last two seasons, signed a two-year contract worth at least $3.8 million with the Angels on Wednesday.

“We caught a break because he wanted to stay in the American League,� General Manager Bill Bavasi said.

Hollins, 30, told the Angels he prefers to play third base, but Bavasi said the club moved aggressively to sign him because he can also play first.

Hollins has had operations to remove broken bones in both hands and, before last season, discovered he was diabetic. An all-star and key player on the Philadelphia Phillies’ 1993 World Series team, Hollins underwent surgery on his right hand in 1993, his left in 1994 and the right again in 1995.

The Phillies traded him to Boston on July 24, 1995, and he signed with Minnesota as a free agent in December. A switch-hitter, Hollins batted .242 with 13 homers and 53 runs batted in before being traded to Seattle on Aug. 29.

Hollins batted .351 in the final 28 games with Seattle last season.