The Angels have expressed serious interest in free-agent pitcher Jeff Weaver, but a deal to sign the former Dodger right-hander could hinge on Weaver's willingness to accept a short-term contract. Weaver, who went 14-11 with a 4.22 earned-run average for the Dodgers last season, was originally seeking a deal in the four-year, $45-million range. After rejecting arbitration, Weaver told the Dodgers he'd sign a three-year, $27-million deal with a fourth-year vesting option, but a Jan. 8 deadline passed without an agreement and Weaver became a free agent. The Angels are willing to boost their $95-million payroll, and they believe the addition of Weaver to a staff featuring Bartolo Colon, John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar and Ervin Santana would give them one of baseball's strongest rotations. Signing Weaver, 29, would also enable the Angels to move projected fifth starter Hector Carrasco to the bullpen, strengthening the relief corps, and provide some starting pitching depth.