Angels won't offer arbitration to free agents

Friday December 06, 2002

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The World Series champion Anaheim Angels announced Friday they don't intend to offer salary arbitration to reserve outfielders Orlando Palmeiro and Alex Ochoa and left-handed reliever Dennis Cook the team's three free agents.

The 33-year-old Palmeiro hit .300 with 79 hits in 263 at-bats and drove in 31 runs in 110 games for the Angels last season. He ranks second on the team's career pinch hit list with 42.

The 30-year-old Ochoa hit .277 with 18 hits in 65 at-bats after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers last July 31. He had two homers and 10 RBIs with the Angels.

The 40-year-old Cook was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 37 games for the Angels before being placed on the disabled list July 13 because of a tear in his left labrum. He would later undergo surgery.

Teams have until Saturday night to offer arbitration or sign any of their free agents. If a club offers arbitration to a free agent, the player has until Dec. 19 to accept or decline the offer. If a club doesn't offer arbitration, his former club cannot re-sign the player until May 1.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)