Spring Training is glorious.  For the first time in my life I ventured out to the desert to watch the Angels at Spring Training and they certainly did not disappoint.  .  My Mecca to Spring Training, where the games don’t count and the starters rarely last 4 innings (and that’s just the outfielders) was meant to bring me closer to the players I watch throughout the dog days of summer

One of those players I’ve been following closely now for a number of years.  His name is Howie Kendrick and he is God’s gift to batting average.  Kendrick’s hands are as quick as any in the game (including Derek Jeter or B.J. Upton) allowing him to spray the ball to all fields with authority.  He plays a solid if not gold-glove caliber second base and has shown improvement there every year in the minors and last year in the big leagues.

Last year Kendrick hit a cool .322, but had fewer than 400 at-bats thanks in part to two hand injuries which cost him significant time.  Despite those setbacks, Kendrick hit .357 Post All-Star Break including an XBH once every 10 at-bats.  It’s not the boldest prediction in the world, but I fully expect Kendrick to lead the team in batting average this season and find himself replacing Orlando Cabrera’s spot in the 2-hole.   

[-Wednesday March 19, Angels 6 – Athletics, 1] – The Angels couldn’t manage to get to Rich Harden in this one despite collecting 8 hits in 6 innings.  However, once Harden left in the 7th Vladdy hit a monster dong of Oakland’s (and Boston’s) former Closer, Keith Foulke.  Foulke is attempting a comeback after retiring from baseball prior to last season.  Matthews Jr. had himself a perfect day as well (G Matthews Jr. – 4 for 4 1 RBI, 1SB)    

[-Thursday March 20, Angels 8 – Giants, 1] – Angels pitching prospect Nick Adenhart has done nothing this Spring to prove that he doesn’t belong in the big leagues to start the season.  Yet, despite the injuries to Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey, there still isn’t a spot for him.  How about Erick Aybar flexing the muscle?  He collected his 3rd HR of the Spring with a 6th inning shot of Giant’s reliever Tyler Walker.  (E. Aybar – 1 for 3 2 R’s, 1HR, 2 RBI)

[-Friday March 21, Angels 4 – Rangers, 1] – Jered Weaver continues to display the command and pitching skills that won him the 2004 Golden Spikes Award at Long Beach State.  Weaver went 6 1/3 IP striking out six while yielding only 1 ER.  Despite the win, the Angels offense was quiet tonight.  Chone Figgins has been very solid this Spring.  He’s hitting .347 with 2 2B’s and 1 3B in 49 at-bats.  Should we be worrying about his one stolen base though?  (C. Figgins – 2 for 3, CS)

[-Saturday March 22, Angels 4 – Dodgers, 2] – I love watching the Angels beat the Dodgers.  I just love it.  You know what else I love?  Mike Napoli hitting home runs.  Napoli has the best upper-cut swing on the Halos (now that Adam Kennedy is playing for St. Louis) and when he makes solid contact he absolutely destroys the ball.  Another effective outing for K-Rod, who went 2 IP, surrendering 2H’s with 1K.  (M. Napoli 1 for 3 1HR, 2RBI)

RANDOM NOTES

Spring Training is awesome.  I spent Friday night and Saturday afternoon watching the Halos beat the Rangers and Dodgers and thought the entire trip was incredible.  Spring Training has all the appeal of Major League Baseball, including $8 beers ☹

Former Angel Utility-Man Scott Spiezio was recently cut by the St. Louis Cardinals based on a legal issue he’s dealing with in Orange County.  Personally, the guy can do no wrong in my eyes thanks to one swing of the bat in 2002

Anyone feel like taking the over on John Lackey making 15 starts this year.  I’m starting to think his injury is going to be real troublesome especially considering Big John has never missed a Major League start in his career.  I’m just hoping he can regain his old form by 2009.

The more I watch Aybar play, the more I like him as the possible starting shortstop this season.  For a little guy he displays some decent pop (3 HR’s this Spring) and he plays with the gritty determination and energy of our former SS, Orlando Cabrera.  Plus, he’s got the best hair in baseball

Just a few days until we get to say hi to a couple of old friends