BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Pitcher Gaspar Could Be No. 1 Pick

The Angels are tentatively planning to select right-handed pitcher Cade Gaspar of Pepperdine on Thursday with their first pick in the June free-agent draft.

Gaspar, who was 6-1 with a 2.30 earned-run average, attended Capistrano Valley High School. He was previously drafted by the Houston Astros and New York Yankees but rejected both offers. He’s expected to command about a $700,000 signing bonus.

The Angels also have shown interest in Katella High’s Jaret Wright, son of former Angel pitcher Clyde Wright, but they favor Gaspar.

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Angel catcher Jorge Fabregas sits behind the plate each day, looks up at hitters and sometimes has difficulty restraining himself.

“I look at guys like Cecil Fielder and Mickey Tettleton,” Fabregas said, “and just say, ‘Wow.’ I mean, I’m not going to get their autographs right there, but I do want to get them before the season ends. I really look forward to these road trips just to see these places. When I saw (Tiger Manager) Sparky Anderson the other day, I was trying to get close to him just to see him. It’s like this is still a dream.”

Fabregas’ dream is turning into reality for the rest of the league. Fabregas, who has emerged as the Angels’ everyday catcher, is serving notice he will be around for a while.

“Two or three years from now,” Anderson said, “you’re going to see one of the premier catchers. He’s just a kid. He reminds me of a young (Mike) Scioscia.”

Said Fabregas: “Wow, you talk about a compliment. You’re talking about a guy who managed the Big Red Machine.”

Fabregas, who was called up when Greg Myers was placed on the disabled list April 24, has been so impressive the Angels have decided to keep him when Myers returns next week.

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Myers, who’s on a medical rehabilitative assignment with Class-A Lake Elsinore, has resumed playing after being bothered by a stiff neck. He’s expected to rejoin the team next week when the Angels return home. They are expected to option catcher Chris Turner to triple-A Vancouver to make room for him.