BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Fitzgerald Signs Minor League Deal

The Angels have signed Mike Fitzgerald, a free-agent catcher from Lakewood who played for Manager Buck Rodgers in Montreal, to a minor league contract. Fitzgerald, who is expected to report for workouts today as a nonroster player, agreed to a base salary of $350,000 and could make an additional $150,000 in incentives. Rodgers said Fitzgerald, who bats right-handed, could be used as a utility player.

Hubie Brooks, the former Dodger who underwent surgery for a herniated disk in his neck in September, reported to camp, and Rodgers was encouraged by his condition.

Brooks has not played since August and was acquired in a trade with the Mets in December. Rodgers has slated Brooks as the designated hitter and believed he could not play a position until sometime into the season. But Rodgers said Brooks is able to work out in the field, and he will do so in the outfield, at first base and maybe third base.

Preston Gomez, 68, a former major league manager and a special assistant to the Angels, fell during Saturday’s workout and dislocated his right hip.