BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : DiSarcina Likely to Get Lucrative Deal

In yet another attempt to preserve their nucleus without enduring the strain of arbitration, the Angels have offered shortstop Gary DiSarcina a three-year contract worth nearly $2.5 million.

DiSarcina, projected to be the Angels’ most experienced everyday position player this season despite only 2 1/2 years of major league service, is expected to reach an agreement with the club by Thursday. He earned $265,000 last season, and was being offered about $350,000 this season until the Angels’ three-year proposal.

“To me, it’s a sign of confidence they have in me,” DiSarcina said. “I think in part I earned it by having two solid years, but they certainly don’t have to do this.

“I mean, this is a chance for three years of security. If you told me I’d have a chance at a multi-year contract at the age of 26, I never would have believed it.”

DiSarcina, who batted .238 with 45 runs batted in last season, played in 211 consecutive games before sustaining a broken thumb Aug. 26 when he was hit by a pitch thrown by Baltimore Oriole starter Ben McDonald.

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While Angel Manager Buck Rodgers insists he has no bullpen stopper, reliever Mike Butcher respectfully begs to differ.

“I worked my butt off to get this job,” said Butcher, who signed a one-year contract Tuesday, “and I’m taking it. I’m telling everybody I’m going to be the closer.”

Butcher, 27, was successful in eight of 10 save opportunities last season until undergoing season-ending surgery Sept. 7 to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He stayed in Tempe throughout the winter for therapy, and has regained his arm strength.

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Starter Lee Guetterman, who was hit by a line drive in his left biceps Monday, felt fine Tuesday and will be able to pitch in today’s intrasquad game.