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Angels’ Gonzales Files for Free Agency

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Infielder Rene Gonzales filed for free agency Monday, the first to do so among four Angels eligible to file.

Gonzales, who was signed as a free agent last January, won the third base job from Gary Gaetti with his steady fielding and surprising production. He hit .277 in 104 games with seven home runs and 38 runs batted in, but missed the last seven weeks of the season because of a fractured bone in his left arm.

The Angels have said they want to re-sign him but that’s not likely to happen until after the expansion draft, because they would have to protect him in the draft if they signed him before they submit their 15-man protected list. Free agents don’t have to be protected.

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Pitcher Bert Blyleven, catcher Mike Fitzgerald and designated hitter Hubie Brooks are repeater rights restrictees, meaning they can be offered salary arbitration by the Angels through Thursday.

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