Langston Inspired by Kings’ Granato

Mark Langston marvels at the resiliency of his good friend, hockey player Tony Granato of the Kings. A few days before Granato was to have brain surgery last week, Langston called to offer best wishes.

“I knew he had the blood clot and was going in for surgery,” Langston said. “His big concern was how I was doing, how the team was doing. I said, ‘I didn’t call to talk about me.’ ”

Langston is a frequent visitor to the Kings’ dressing room during the winter. He struck up an instant friendship with Granato at their first meeting several years ago.

“Once you meet him, it’s all over,” Langston said. “He’s an unbelievable guy.”

Granato visits the Angel clubhouse when he can or when they play in his native Chicago. Through Langston, he also has become friends with several other Angels, including Jim Abbott and Rex Hudler.

“He’s a big part of this team, too,” Langston said. “A lot of people here were concerned about him.”

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The Angels met with a consultant from the Walt Disney Co. to discuss ways to better market the club.

Disney’s Joel Curran spoke with players, the coaching staff and front-office personnel, seeking input and explaining how things might change when the entertainment giant assumes control of the club.

Disney evidently hopes to toughen the Angels’ imagine. T-shirts that read, “California Angels We play hardball,” were passed out to the players.