BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Fabregas’ Dream Is Coming True

Angel catcher Jorge Fabregas squats behind the plate each day, looks at the hitters coming up 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.”

His dream is becoming reality. Fabregas, who has emerged as the Angels’ No. 1 catcher, is serving notice that 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.”

Fabregas said: “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 put on the disabled list April 24, has been so impressive during his stint that the Angels have already privately decided to keep him when Myers returns next week.

“I hope I get to stay around,” said Fabregas, who’s batting .289, “because I’ve got to start getting some of these autographs.”

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The Angels are tentatively planning to select right-handed pitcher Cade Gaspar of Pepperdine 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 in Mission Viejo. He was previously drafted by the Houston Astros and New York Yankees but rejected both offers. He’s expected to get a $700,000 signing bonus. The Angels also have shown interest in Jaret Wright of Katella High, the son of former Angel pitcher Clyde Wright, but favor Gaspar.