Top Pick Signs, and Just in Time

The Angels agreed to terms with Casey Kotchman, their No. 1 draft pick, ending an unusual negotiation.

Kotchman is believed to have received about $2 million as a signing bonus. He will report to Mesa, the Angels’ rookie league team. He was represented by Tom Kotchman, his father, who is also a scout and minor league manager for the Angels.

“I have an opportunity to go do something I always wanted to do,” Casey Kotchman said. “I was hoping this would get done and [I would] have the opportunity to play this summer.”

Negotiations dragged on after the Angels made Kotchman the 13th overall pick in the June draft. If he had not signed this week, he would not have been able to play this season, team officials said.

“I’m relieved in the sense that I know Casey is going to work this year,” said Donny Rowland, the Angels’ director of scouting.

That Rowland was negotiating with another Angel employee made the situation unique. “The relationship was never anything but friendly and professional, no different from any we have had in the last 10 years,” Rowland said.

Casey Kotchman, who batted .456 for Seminole (Fla.) High last season, may end up playing for his father at Class-A Provo later this summer.

The Angels recalled pitcher Mark Lukasiewicz from triple-A Salt Lake City.

ON DECK

Opponent--Baltimore Orioles, three games.

Site--Edison Field.

Tonight--7

TV--Channel 9 tonight and Fox Sports Net Saturday.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Records--Angels 52-50, Orioles 42-60.

Record vs. Orioles--3-3.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’ SCOTT SCHOENEWEIS

(7-8, 5.04 ERA)

vs.

ORIOLES’ JASON JOHNSON

(9-6, 3.18 ERA)

Update--Ismael Valdes, who will pitch Sunday, is 3-1 with a 2.66 earned-run average in four starts since returning from the disabled list.

Saturday, 7 p.m.--Pat Rapp (3-9, 4.63 ERA) vs. Willis Roberts (7-8, 5.19 ERA).

Sunday, 5 p.m.--Valdes (7-5, 3.94 ERA) vs. Jose Mercedes (4-12, 6.02 ERA).

Tickets--(714) 663-9000.