The real wings behind the stunning ascent

Sporting News, The, July 31, 1995 by Bob Nightengale

The Angels no longer pick up the telephone to call for his advice. They haven't invited him to any games. He is not even sure if the Angels want to see him during the playoffs.

Yet while accolades are being spread around the Angels' organization, General Manager Bill Bavasi concedes that one man is being ignored. He, in fact, may be more responsible than anyone in the organization for the Angels' success.

You remember the guy, the man with the crass sense of humor, tell-it-like-is diplomacy and that famous crew cut?

The name is Whitey Herzog.

"His influence is stir being felt now, and believe me we're reaping the benefits," Bavasi says. "It took a guy of his stature and credibility to turn this thing around.

"He's the one who said, `Hey, wait a minute here, let's put the brakes on and develop whats here.' I give him credit for what's happening now."

It was Herzog, in his role as senior vice president, who was berated for trading Jim Abbott to the Yankees for J.T. Snow, Russ Springer and Jerry Nielsen. Funny, now that Snow has emerged as a solid major league hitter and is the finest defensive first baseman in the game, no one seems to be ridiculing the trade.

Herzog was the one, remember, who was blasted for not giving Wally Joyner a monstrous $5-million-a-year contract. Who would you rather have at first base?

Herzog was the one who told the Angels to open their eyes and see some of the finest prospects they had in the organization - Jim Edmonds, Garret Anderson, Damion Easley and Gary DiSarcina. It was time to keep those kids, not give them away for million-dollar veterans for the quick fix.

And Herzog, just to refresh your memory, was the one who walked away a year ago, telling Owner Jackie Autry that Bavasi was ready to become general manager, even predicting Bavasi would be one of the best.

Hmmm, has anyone in the American League done a better job than Bavasi this season? He signed closer lee Smith, traded for leadoff hitter Tony Phillips and may be on the verge of acquiring Abbott in a trade.

"Everything is falling in place," Herzog says, "and I couldn't be more proud of the Angel organization. Really, they're right on schedule. We talked about this being the year, and now look at them.

"I mean, my god, I like their lineup better than Cleveland's. Sure, you've got some surprises. I never thought DiSarcina would hit like this. I knew Edmonds was a good hitter, but I never thought he had that kind of power. (Tim) Salmon, he's a bona-fide superstar. And I think Garret Anderson has -a good chance to be as good as Salmon.

"I think I'm the one who got them headed in the right direction, but in all fairness to Billy, he's the one who made a lot of good little decisions to make this all work."

But Bavasi also concedes luck played a role. After all, Snow was available for trade this winter, Bavasi nearly dealt for closer John Hudek instead of acquiring Smith and the organization was split on making the Chad Curtis-Phillips trade.

Herzog, who watches almost every Angels game on a satellite dish from his home in St. Louis, says he hasn't talked to anyone in the organization this season. He telephoned Gene Autry during the winter, but Herzog realizes he didn't leave on the best of terms and doesn't want to create any uneasiness by suddenly popping up at Anaheim Stadium.

"Hell, just the them to keep winning," Herzog says. "They're doing fine without me around. I don't want any credit I just want to see them in the World Series.

"And if they get there, you know what I'm going out there to see the Cowboy.

"There'd be no more beautiful sight than seeing him ride into the sunset with that great big World Series ring on his hand."