TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) -When former Cuban star Kendry Morales defected to the United States and signed with the Angels in 2004, a few things were obvious about the burly youngster: He had raw talent, was powerful if undisciplined with the bat and came with a shaky glove.
“I had brick hands,” Morales said through a translator.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia disagreed.
“He never had brick hands. He had always played the outfield, pitched as a kid. He has terrific hands. This guy’s improved tenfold from when we signed him,” the Angels manager.
Scioscia has reason to believe. The 25-year-old Morales is being counted on as Los Angeles’ regular first baseman.
urprised everyone with the level he’s reached,” Scioscia said.
Morales said he has put in extra work with Scioscia and first base coach Alfredo Griffin.
“They gave me ideas. I also took a lot of ground balls at the complex in the Dominican Republic,” Morales said. “I feel like I’m ready. The time I spent in winter ball, the time I’ve been up here, has prepared me.
“I believe I can become a productive, everyday player if I work hard.”
Said Scioscia: “This guy has worked as hard as anyone we’ve seen.”
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Morales will be taking over for two-time Gold Glove winner Mark Teixeira, who signed with the New York Yankees. Los Angeles had dealt another first baseman, Casey Kotchman, to Atlanta last July to acquire Teixeira.
That’s left the Angels thin on options at first, with utilityman Robb Quinlan and outfielder Juan Rivera among the probable backups.
Even so, Morales doesn’t assume the job is his.
“I don’t feel like it’s mine. I’m one of the candidates,” he said. “There are other people who can play first base. I don’t want to think it’s my position.”
ter hitting .329 with 54 homers and 224 RBIs in 304 minor league contests.
Scioscia said Morales is learning from experience.
“Kendry could always swing the bat, now he’s learning discipline, understanding pitching, taking what they give you, what kind of pitch he wants to hit,” the manager said. “He’s using the whole field more.
“All that’s a part of his growth. He has the potential to open some eyes with 600 at-bats.”
Morales insisted he won’t feel pressure despite the fact he’s following the multitalented Teixeira.
“I can go back to the times when Kotchman was hurt and I had to step in. Those times serve me well now,” he said. “The only thing I have to worry about is doing my job.”
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