The Angels Have Too Many First Baseman

The 2012 Angels had a log jam of sorts at first base with Albert Pujols, Mark Trumbo and Kendrys Morales. What evolved during the season is Trumbo at third to start, but that didn’t go well, so they hid him in the outfield and it seemed to work out okay. Morales was able to DH and play first a little bit while Pujols was still a quality first baseman.

Sept. 23, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Kendrys Morales (8) meets designated hitter Albert Pujols (5) at home after a 2-run home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

The 2013 Angels still have that logjam. Albert Pujols isn’t going anywhere. No one is going to take that contract, not even the Yankees even if they take Alex Rodriguez off the Yankees’ hands. Mark Trumbo could stay in the outfield, depending on what other moves are made in the offseason and what they want to do with Peter Bourjos. They could re-sign Torii Hunter start Bourjos in center and Mike Trout in left.

That leaves Kendrys Morales. Morales is just 29 years old and won’t be a free agent until 2014. A cost controlled power bat is a good thing to have, however he doesn’t have a clear cut spot. He also is the only left-handed bat that the Angels have that hits for power.

You’d have to get some sort of left-handed bat to replace that in the package for Morales. You could sell Trumbo but his value is really low right now. After a .306/22/58 with a .968 OPS first half, he morphed into a .224/10/38 with a .630 OPS in the second half. He also only drew 36 walks the entire season.

I have a feeling that come spring training 2013, either Trumbo or Morales be swigning for another team. The question is what will they get and which one will it be.