ANGELS NOTEBOOK: STONEMAN TO BE NAMED NEW GM?

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

Bill Stoneman, who grew up in West Covina, is expected to be named general manager of the Angels today.

Stoneman, 55, met with Disney officials Thursday for his third interview. He previously met with Angels team president Tony Tavares and Disney executive Sandy Litvak.

``It's not definitive, they're still finishing up the interview process,'' Angels spokesman Tim Mead said Thursday. ``But they're on course. That's probably the direction we need to focus.''

Stoneman pitched one season with the Angels in 1974, but made his mark, both as a player and in the front office, with the Montreal Expos.

Stoneman's latest position with the Expos is vice president of baseball operations, with financial and administrative responsibilities for all aspects of the major-league budget. He's been in the Expos' front office since 1983.

As a player, Stoneman pitched for the Expos from 1969-73, highlighted by 15 shutouts, including two no-hitters. He no-hit Philadelphia in 1969 and the Mets in 1972. He also holds several Expos pitching records.

The Angels' other top candidate was former Yankees general manager Bob Watson. Watson has interviewed twice with the club but reportedly hasn't spoken with anyone from the Angels in more than a week.

The Angels have been searching for a new general manager since Oct. 1, when Bill Bavasi resigned after six years as GM.

Updates: Outfielder Garret Anderson and pitcher Troy Percival underwent surgery Thursday.

Anderson had corrective surgery to release a trapped nerve in his left foot. Percival had right shoulder surgery to shave a bone spur and clean up a frayed labrum. Both are expected to be ready by spring training.

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