Kendrys Morales

2013

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2012

Just two seasons ago Morales was a budding star and the Angels' first baseman of the future. However, he broke his ankle May 29, 2010, and has not appeared in a game since. Mark Trumbo has established himself as a major leaguer, and Albert Pujols is now the Angels' first baseman for the next decade. That leaves Morales without a position. He is still recovering from the ankle injury two years later and it's not clear if he'll be ready for spring training. Still, even if he is able to take the field, his health and the Angels' crowded first-base situation have put a damper on his fantasy value.

2011

After a big 2009 season, Morales was expected to help carry the offense again a year ago. He did so early on, but following a walk-off grand slam in late May, Morales broke his leg during the celebration at home plate and was lost for the season. The Angels really felt his absence while they struggled to score runs on a consistent basis the rest of the way. Now several months removed from the injury, Morales has made good progress and is expected to be ready for spring training. He is capable of a .300 batting average, 30 home runs, and 100 RBI if he plays the whole season, so don't be the owner to forget about him during your draft.

2010

In Morales' defense, the Angels had never just run him out there every day, so maybe he could have done this all along. The power will have to carry him, as his approach at the plate will eat into his batting average and OBP barring a change, and he may bat with fewer runners on in 2010, so the RBI opportunities will fall.

2009

Morales saw action in only 27 games with the Angels in 2008, but batted .341 and knocked in 74 runs with Triple-A Salt Lake. Morales is a switch-hitter who can cover both sides of the plate and he should only get better with more major league experience. The Angels plan to start Morales at first base this season after losing Mark Teixeira via free agency, but they could find a replacement through a trade and put Morales back in an outfield/designated hitter role. Either way, look for Morales to get a significant increase in playing time in 2009.

2008

After hitting .341 at Triple-A Salt Lake last season, the Angels called up Morales in late August while some of their regulars were down with injuries. Morales responded by giving the Angels a preview of the future and immediately went on a 12-game hitting streak. He is a switch-hitter with above-average power from both sides and has shown that he can hit for average as well. The key to his value becomes playing time, as he's blocked by Casey Kotchman at first base, and the Angels have a significant investment in getting Gary Matthews Jr. everyday at-bats, even after the addtion of Torii Hunter this winter. You'll want to keep an eye on how this playing time situation breaks down heading towards the season, as Morales should put up some impressive offensive numbers if he's given opportunities to play.

2007

The Cuban defector was a victim of Kotchman's ill bat and body, called up likely before he was ready as a replacement. Take his major-league performance last year with a grain of salt, noting the positives--reasonable contact rate and K/BB--and excusing the poor performance otherwise. He might be squeezed in March and April, but will be up for good later in the year.

2006

The Angels have Morales penciled in as their primary DH for 2007; until then, he'll have to wait for an injury to Garret Anderson or another Angels' outfielder. He has very nice upside and should produce solid numbers after adjusting to life in America playing for Double-A Arkansas in 2005. Morales defected from Cuba, where he was widely considered the best young player on the Cuban team.

2005

After defecting from Cuba in June and establishing permanent residence in the Dominican Republic (so as to avoid the draft), Morales became a highly-coveted outfield/first base prospect this past summer. Morales is a polished switch-hitter, and viewed by many as Cuba's top young player. He is capable of playing at any corner infield or outfield spot, and at 21 (real age, we assume), he's been deemed close to Major League ready. The Angels added Morales to the 40-man roster in December, and it looks like they're planning on giving Morales a shot at winning a big league roster spot come April. Watch his position in the spring, as he might win the starting DH job outright.