BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Janicki Is Still Pondering School

UCLA pitcher Pete Janicki, the Angels’ first-round pick and eighth selection overall in the June draft, remains among the four unsigned first-rounders. However, he said he’s hopeful that will change before the end of the month.

“We’re not too far off. I expect things to get done within a few weeks,” Janicki said from his Placentia home. “If we don’t work it out, I’m prepared to go back to school. That is an option.”

Janicki said his pitching arm has recovered completely from the stress fracture found earlier this summer. “It feels fine. It’s back to 100%,” said Janicki, who attended El Dorado High. “A fracture is a lot better news than a tendon or ligament (injury) because that stretches out. I’ve been taking it easy because there’s no sense in pushing things. I’ve got a lot of time before spring training.”

Angel Senior Vice President Dan O’Brien said team officials haven’t written Janicki off and are continuing to negotiate with him. Janicki’s adviser, Arn Tellem, is on vacation until next week.

Janicki, who met with Angel executives at Anaheim Stadium two weeks ago, said the lack of communication between the two sides has been frustrating at times. He cited a misunderstanding over a doctor’s appointment he said was set up without his knowledge, but said, “That’s all behind me now. Things have been smoothed over.” The final touch would be for him to sign and challenge for a job next season, which is within the realm of possibility given the organization’s lack of depth among starting pitchers.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Janicki said, “but I’ve got to sign first.”

Infielder Rene Gonzales, who broke his left arm Aug. 11, conceded his season is probably over. “That’s what the doctor said,” Gonzales said, referring to team orthopedist Lewis Yocum, “but he’s only a doctor--what does he know? He’s not a player. . . . I’ll have to listen. They probably won’t release me (to play).” . . . Even if Yocum relents, Manager Buck Rodgers won’t. “I told him if he comes back I’m not going to play him,” Rodgers said. “The doctor told him if he gets hit one more time, he’s going to have to have an operation like me (to insert metal plates). That was a nasty break.” . . . Luis Polonia (sore legs) was available but didn’t start Wednesday. . . . Rodgers had Tim Salmon hitting fifth Wednesday. Salmon had hit cleanup and once hit third. . . . Gary Gaetti’s two-homer game Tuesday got him another start as the designated hitter Wednesday against right-hander Jack Armstrong. “He’s not going to play every day,” Rodgers said, “but I’m going to ride him while he’s hot.”