Getting Appier Would Be Expensive

The Angels are interested in trading for pitcher Kevin Appier, but the price for the Kansas City Royal ace would be steep and not only because of his $5-million salary.

Herk Robinson, Royal general manager, said he’s not shopping Appier, who will be a free agent after this season, and that he hopes to re-sign the right-hander for 1997.

“But if we can’t re-sign him, we’d make every effort to trade him,” Robinson said. “And if you’re going to get Appier, you’re going to have to give something up.”

At least four Angels--center fielder Jim Edmonds, right fielder Tim Salmon, shortstop Gary DiSarcina and reliever Troy Percival--are believed to be untouchable.

“But everything’s always for sale,” General Manager Bill Bavasi said.

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The Angels acquired reliever Brad Pennington off waivers from the Boston Red Sox and will activate the hard-throwing but erratic left-hander this weekend. Dennis Springer was optioned to Vancouver.

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Pitcher Shad Williams, who will make his major league debut against the Yankees today, appeared in the film “Angels in the Outfield,” as an Oakland Athletic pitcher.