BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Firing Derided by Tigers’ Anderson

Although Detroit Tiger Manager Sparky Anderson was elated that Marcel Lachemann, a close friend, was hired as manager of the Angels, he couldn’t hide his contempt that Buck Rodgers was fired.

“I consider Buck one of the finest managers I’ve managed against in 25 years,” Anderson said. “He was tough in that dugout, boy. He never cheated his club. He got out of his club all what they had.

“I’m so happy for Marcel because somebody has to get it, but on the other hand, you can’t take away from the fact that Buck was outstanding. I remember coming over here, and telling Whitey Herzog, ‘He’s the first manager in the American League I’ve seen who can manage.’ ”

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Angel pitcher Brian Anderson, who suffered a broken thumb May 6, is scheduled to rejoin the Angel rotation when the team returns home June 2, Lachemann said. . . . Catcher Greg Myers is experiencing neck stiffness in his rehabilitative assignment, delaying his return to the Angels. . . . The Angels are trying to trade reliever Scott Lewis, who is eligible to come off the disabled list May 31. The Angels are unable to send Lewis to the minors without placing him on waivers because Lewis has no options remaining.