Angels Preview: Second Base

by user The Beast

Good Bye, Adam Kennedy! Hello Howie Kendrick!

This offseason, former Angels second baseman Adam Kennedy signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, giving second year man, Howie Kendrick, the opportunity to become the every day guy at second. Kennedy's glove will be missed, especially since Mike Scioscia regarded Kennedy as the best defensive second baseman in the American League

The one question that remains is whether Kendrick will settle into the job and provide enough defense to compensate for the loss of Adam Kennedy. The Angels believe that he will.

According to General Manager, Bill Stoneman, "He's earned it."

While most prospects are new to the majors, Kendrick is not. Last season he started forty-two games at first, the most on the team, while also starting at second on the occasion. This will be his first season as a full-time starter at his natural position, second base.

Kendrick is believed to be capable of producing defensiely, but it is his bat that excites people the most. During his first five proffesional seasons, he has posted a .300 average, including a an overall .285 batting average with the Angels. However, his .285 average includes his first Major League callup where he went 3-for-26 over a ten-game stretch.

After the All-Star break last season, Kendrick hit .303 over 241 at-bats. That included a 20-for-40 string in July, a 16-game hitting streak from July 16-Aug. 6, and a stretch of reaching base safely in nine straight plate appearances from Aug. 25-27.

Backing up Kendrick will be Maicer Izturis. Last season, Izturis started at third, but will counted on in 2007 to provide relief to anyone who goes down with an injury. Chone Figgins could also move over from third if needed.