Dallas McPherson

McPherson's career has always been given a label. He went from top prospect, to former top prospect, to "always injured," to where he stands today: looking to pick up the pieces. The Angels didn't have a third baseman heading into the 2008 season, but decided to let McPherson go after non-tendering him in December. McPherson has tremendous power, but he hasn't been able to stay on the field and missed all of 2007 after having back surgery. He will get another chance in spring training, but his opportunities to deliver upon his potential are fading fast.

A bad back provides cover for the fact the McPherson doesn't make contact enough to be a major-league regular. One hundred twenty-one strikeouts (and just 23 walks) in 360 MLB at-bats will cost you a job anywhere, much less the place that loves contact hitting the most. With health, he might have Jack Howell's peak. He'll try to fight for any kind of reserve role this spring.

Following September 2005 surgery to remove a bone spur in his hip, the Angels hope McPherson can claim the everyday 3B job. Assuming the hip is not a lingering issue, he should start to display more consistent power at the plate. Watch his health closely in spring training. If he's healthy and regains his stroke he's capable of some very nice power numbers.

McPherson rose rapidly through the Angels system, earning a promotion to the parent club in September 2004 just three years after being drafted in the second round. Following the departure of Troy Glaus, he has the inside track to stick as the starting third baseman. If he doesn't perform, look for Robb Quinlan to jump right in.

The Angels named him their organizational co-Player of the Year after advancing through to Double-A Arkansas over the course of the 2003 season. At 6-foot-4, 230-plus pounds, the 23-year-old has big power potential that started to blossom last season. The former college star is somebody to pay attention to. It's not likely he'll be pushing incumbent Troy Glaus out at third, but may fit into the Angels' 2004 plans as a first baseman.

At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, McPherson has huge power potential, but is blocked at the position by a guy who has an even bigger upside in Troy Glaus. The 22-year-old has a cannon for an arm and soft hands, but looks clumsy at the position. Because of footwork and the large block at the position, he’s likely to become a first basemen. He has the arm to be a right fielder but is a little large for the position, and long-time Angel, Tim Salmon, currently patrols the right side of the outfield. The 2001-second rounder out of the Citadel is a potential middle-of-the-order guy who could eventually be a .290-.300 hitter with 35 home runs, and a 100 RBI. He’ll continue to develop in the low minors with a promotion to Double-A in 2003 a possibility. The Angels currently lack a stereotypical first basemen, and McPherson could work his way into the role in 2004. Top prospect Casey Kotchman may have something to say about that however.