With the Angels having a subpar offseason by most critics' evaluations, the team has constantly referred to the return of Kendry Morales from injury as "better than any possible free agent acquisition." We've all kind of bought into that, as fans, and have eagerly awaited the return of our super star first baseman. Now, just about a month before the season, Kendry is saying that he might not even be ready for opening day. What the heck are we going to do?
After showing up at Spring Training in Tempe, Morales was quick to point out that he doesn't think he'll be starting on opening day, saying, "I know it could be a possibility that I'm not ready. I've been working mentally on that, to be ready to handle that situation." Nice to know he's taking steps to keep his mental health in check, but how does that help us fans? He also said that his ability to run in a straight line is about "50%", that the Angels haven't even had him participate in any running or defensive skills yet, and that he put on about 10 pounds during the offseason because of his inability to be active.
The Angels management is trying to play the situation down as much as possible. Mike Scioscia seems to know nothing of Kendry being at only 50%, "I have no doubt that he'll be 100% by the start of the season. He's not a guy who would need 80 at bats and 25 games this Spring to get ready." Well, Mike, he hasn't played since something like May of 2009, and he's still running at 50%, so what makes you think that he won't need a full Spring to get ready? Despite his amazing confidence in Morales' ability to be ready for go time, he took the time to list who the alternative options would be at first base if Kendry wouldn't be ready. That's kind of telling, right?
Mike said that they'd look at three different options, if needed. Howie Kendrick could shift over to first, as he did a little last year, Brandon Wood and his .146 average could cover, or Mark Trumbo could get his big shot from AAA. The first idea would work, if Maicer Izturis could play second base with Howie at the corner. The second idea is a completely stupid one. Why would you have a guy who struggles to play his natural position, switch to a new position? A better question would be, why would you continue to give Wood a chance after he has failed year in and year out? The final idea has potential to be awesome, although we should realize that if Kendry isn't ready for the opening day bell, he'd be ready fairly quickly, and Trumbo's "shot" wouldn't be for that long. However, he excited the heck out of me at Salt Lake last season (.301/36/122). Those are crazy numbers, and he's obviously ready for a chance in the show.
The other idea I'm floating around, is that this is all smoke and mirrors. Often in sports, we see players or teams build something up to make the impact that much better. Paul Pierce being carted off in a wheel chair, only to come back and drill an important late game three, would be an example that comes to mind. It happens in the NFL all the time, with players being listed as "questionable," only to play and surprise the other team with their health and stamina. Is the same thing going on with the Halos and Kendry Morales? Is he playing up the fact that he is not entirely ready, in the hopes of being completely ready, and impressing us all that much more? Remember, his agent IS Scott Boras, and drumming up drama seems to be one of his specialties. If Kendry starts the season less than 100%, and then goes on to produce like we all hope he will, his value will be even greater.
So, will he or won't he? Will Kendry be ready to step into that batter's box come March 31 in Kansas City? By the way, how cool is it that we start our season against the Royals? Or, will we be rolling with a second option when the season kicks off? I'm going to guess that fan and media pressure will push the Angels to start him, even if he's at 80%, and I just hope that a decision like that doesn't lead to further problems for our Cuban Missile.
Otherwise, it's going to be a long 162.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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