The Angels have yet to make a long-promised contract extension offer to Garret Anderson, his agent said Wednesday, and they could risk losing their All-Star outfielder in free agency next fall if a new deal is not concluded by opening day.
"If it gets beyond spring training, there won't be any discussions," agent Chris Arnold said. "We will not discuss an extension during the season. That's the only criterion we've put on this thing. If it gets done, it gets done before the start of the season."
As the field of contenders for outfielder Vladimir Guerrero could be winnowing to the Angels and Baltimore Orioles, the Angels' pursuit of Guerrero could complicate negotiations with Anderson. In order to sign Guerrero, the Angels might have to pay him more per year than Anderson, their most valuable player three years running.
General Manager Bill Stoneman would not address the status of talks with Anderson but said the Angels remain interested in negotiating an extension. He declined to discuss Guerrero in particular but said that the pursuit of any free agent would not affect the Angels' ability to negotiate a fair deal with Anderson.
"Those decisions are individual decisions," Stoneman said.
Montreal President Tony Tavares confirmed Wednesday that the Expos had offered Guerrero a five-year, $75-million contract. The Expos received no response and have since withdrawn the offer, he said. Fernando Cuza, one of Guerrero's agents, did not return calls.
The Expos have not decided whether to offer salary arbitration, which would give Guerrero the option to return to Montreal on a one-year contract. He made $11.5 million last season. If he wins an arbitration hearing, he could account for almost half of the Expos' $40-million player payroll.
Although Guerrero is one of the best players available in free agency, the traditional big-money suitors appear content to skip this courtship. The New York Yankees are talking with Gary Sheffield, the Chicago Cubs have Sammy Sosa, and the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers each have an albatross in Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez.
The Atlanta Braves could jump in, but they might spend their money on pitching. The Angels, concerned Guerrero might prefer to remain in the National League, remain wary of the possible involvement of the Dodgers and New York Mets.
