Angels Preview: First Base
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by user The Beast
It is clear that the Angels are not satisfied with their first base position. Over the offseason they explored trades for Atlanta's Adam LaRoche and Colorado's Todd Helton. However, these potential moves failed and the Angels are now stuck with a group of players including the likes of Casey Kotchman, Kendry Morales, Robb Quinlan, and Shea Hillenbrand.
If healthy, Kotchman should have the edge at first base for two main reasons. He is a better fielder than Morales, and just as good of a hitter. However, before he can take the full-time job, he must prove he's healthy and has fully recovered from mononucleosis. Reports in winter ball have all been positive, and he is expected to be fine. Kotchman also has to shake the rust of nearly a year off from playing baseball.
Last season, Kotchman allowed the Angels to take a gamble and move Darin Erstad back to center field. Erstad was a Gold Glover, but the Angels obviously felt that Kotchman was a good enough fielder to start at first. Morales' skills in the field are not nearly as polished as Kotchman's, and he is more suited to be a designated hitter.
If you compare offensive numbers at the Major League level, Kotchman also has the edge over Morales. Morales hit .409 in his first five games with the Angels last season but ended up hitting .211 in 52 games after that. Kotchman struggled initially in his first callup in 2005 but over the last 40 games of 2005, he hit .302 with seven homers.
Another option at first is the lefty hitting machine, Robb Quinlan. Last season, Quinlan had a career year with nine homers and a .321 batting average. However, he is not expected to be an every day starter.
If Morales and Kotchman fail to produce at first look for Shea Hillenbrand to fill the void. Hillenbrand is a well seasoned veteran, who can also play Third Base and Designated Hitter. However, the Angels are hoping that Kotchman, Quinlan, or Morales can produce at first so Hillenbrand can DH.
All in all, expect Kotchman to be starting opening day with Kendry Morales in Salt Lake. Shea Hillenbrand will be the Designated Hitter and Quinlan will be coming off the bench.
