O’Brien Seeks Appointment to the Bench

It’s not that catcher Charlie O’Brien feels he owes the Angels anything--he has spent 11 years in the major leagues, 17 years in professional baseball, and has paid his dues in full. If there’s one guy who shouldn’t feel guilty about playing in only five games last August and September, it’s O’Brien.

“But I didn’t help the team any last year,” said O’Brien, acquired on July 30 from the Chicago White Sox for two minor-league pitchers. “It was disappointing because I came from a club that wasn’t in contention to one that was, and I didn’t last that long.”

O’Brien sat out all of August because of a broken right thumb, and two weeks after making his Angel debut Sept. 2, he broke the middle finger on his right hand and was lost for the season. He started only four games, going two for 11.

Now O’Brien is back in camp, battling for a spot on an Angel bench that has no shortage of qualified candidates. Matt Walbeck and Phil Nevin, who shared catching duties last season, have returned, and Todd Greene could catch a few times a week if his shoulder is sound.

O’Brien’s future could hinge on whether Greene will be available to catch, and whether Nevin, who can play third, first and the outfield, evolves into more of a utility player.

If Manager Terry Collins chooses to go with a more defensive-oriented reserve catcher, O’Brien will have an edge--he is considered one of the most knowledgeable players at his position.

“I help pitchers get through games,” O’Brien said. “I’ve been around long enough to understand how to get the best of every pitcher out there. That’s what I do best.”

O’Brien said it doesn’t matter how many games a week he catches.

“When you get your World Series ring, it doesn’t say how many games you played, just that you won,” he said. “I want to contribute in some way.”

That would be an upgrade from 1998.

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Chuck Finley, who was scheduled to start today’s intrasquad game, was scratched because of stiffness in his back. Collins said the left-hander will pitch in Tuesday’s intrasquad game. . . . Shortstop Gary DiSarcina, sidelined with a broken bone in his left forearm, will be reexamined Wednesday. Doctors will determine if DiSarcina can be fitted for a smaller cast and be allowed to exercise more rigorously.