Angels Find Relief With James’ Contract

ANAHEIM â€”  The Angels on Monday signed right-handed reliever Mike James to a three-year contract worth $1.8 million, perhaps solidifying their bullpen for seasons to come.

James, considered one of the better setup men in the major leagues, will make $300,000 in 1997, $700,000 in 1998 and $800,000 in 1999. He earned $150,000 last season, his second in the majors.

“This is an excellent deal for Mike and for the team,� said Paul Cohen, James’ agent.

“I like the area,� James said. “I like the team a lot. I like the guys who are going to be there for a while, the core group. If I could stay there until I’m done playing that would be great.�

James had a 5-5 record with a 2.67 earned-run average and one save in a club-leading 69 appearances last season. His ERA was the sixth-best by a reliever in the American League. He usually pitched the eighth inning, giving way to closer Troy Percival to start the ninth last season.

Percival, who had 36 saves last season, is signed through 1999.

Opponents batted .214 against James with right-handed hitters batting only .194.

Although their starting rotation still seems a bit thin, particularly their fourth and fifth spots, the Angel bullpen appears set.

Last week, the Angels agreed to a one-year deal with an option on 1998 with Shigetoshi Hasegawa, a right-hander from Japan. They expect Hasegawa to pitch middle relief next season, joining left-handers Chuck McElroy and Mike Holtz.

Knuckleball pitcher Dennis Springer and right-hander Jason Dickson also figure to compete for spots in middle relief.

Angel Notes

The Angels have begun talking to right fielder Tim Salmon about a contract extension. Salmon, in the last year of a four-year $7.5-million deal, will make $3.5 million this season. . . . The Angels want to sign pitcher Allen Watson, acquired in the trade that sent first baseman J.T. Snow to the San Francisco Giants, to a one-year deal and avoid arbitration. Watson made $240,000 with the Giants last season . . . Right-handed starter Travis Buckley was signed to a minor league contract Monday. Buckley was 14-11 with a 4.61 earned-run average in 30 games in the Cincinnati Reds’ minor league system last season.

The Angels also announced their minor league managers for next season. Bruce Hines will manage triple-A Vancouver, Mitch Seoane will manage double-A Midland (Texas), Don Long will manage Class-A Lake Elsinore, Mario Mendoza will manage Class-A Cedar Rapids (Iowa), Tom Kotchman will manage Class-A Boise (Idaho) and Bill Lachemann will manage rookie league Butte (Mont.).

Times staff writer Mike DiGiovanna contributed to this story.