A SPECIAL REPORT: THE BASEBALL DRAFT

What’s It Take?

Cal State Northridge catcher Robert Fick had the best offensive numbers of any player in college baseball. So he should be one of the first players chosen Tuesday in the major league draft, right? Not necessarily. . . . Although Fick’s stock has risen after being named a consensus All-American, he is not listed among the top 100 prospects by Baseball America magazine.

More Matadors

Besides Fick, others sure to go from the Matador team, which posted a school-record 52 victories, are power-hitting third baseman-catcher Eric Gillespie, right-handed pitcher Robert Crabtree and left-handed pitcher Nathan Rice.

Don’t Forget Us

Two junior college players committed to attend Northridge will sign pro contracts if drafted high enough: third baseman Mike Glendenning of Pierce and outfielder Rick Nadeau of Canyons, both of whom display major league power. . . . Garrett Lee, a 6-foot-5 right-hander from Glendale, is the top-rated junior college pitcher in the area.

Best of the Rest

Chatsworth third baseman Danny Phillips, Chaminade pitcher Gabe Crecion, Crespi catcher Brian Luderer and Kennedy outfielder Fernando Centeno are highly regarded preps, but scouts are wary because they have committed to top colleges. . . . Crescenta Valley catcher Jesse Daggett, Burbank shortstop Fred Sanchez, Quartz Hill pitcher Bryan Garcia and Poly third baseman Steve Guerrero might be drafted.