Mailbag: Power a concern of fans

01/16/2006
I have great respect for general manager Bill Stoneman and manager Mike Scioscia. Since the organization has so far not been able to bring in a proven big-league bat to add 30-40 dingers to the season total, where will the power come from?-- Mark S., Las Vegas, Nev.
The Angels will again have to create on offense to score runs as opposed to simply relying on power in 2006. Their only real power threat is Vladimir Guerrero, with Garret Anderson capable of chipping in with 15-20 homers. The rest of their power will probably come more from a collection of players than one source.
Dallas McPherson has 30-plus home run potential, but he has to return from hip surgery and earn substantial playing time to make an impact. Juan Rivera is another player with 25-30 homer potential, but playing time is also an issue. Casey Kotchman tapped a power source and clubbed seven homers in 116 at-bats after returning to the team in the second half, but he is more a hitter than slugger and will not be asked to carry the load offensively.
In their current alignment, the Angels will not look to outslug their opponents but instead will try to wear down defenses with an aggressive style.
First, at what position is Kendry Morales best suited for in the big leagues? Second, what is Jake Woods' timetable for reaching the Majors? -- Manny A., Panorama City, Calif.
Morales has played mostly at first base since joining the Angels organization. He has a couple of games under his belt in the outfield and the club feels he could possibly play third, but it is projecting him as a first baseman. His greatest attributes, though, are on offense, and if Morales is to make the Opening Day roster, it will be mostly as the designated hitter.
As for Woods, he was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Dec. 20. The left-hander is on Seattle's 40-man roster, but he is currently not projected on the big-league depth chart. The Mariners have five lefties ahead of him in the bullpen, including closer Eddie Guardado.
How close is Jered Weaver to being ready for the big leagues? Any chance the Angels will sign Jeff and have the Weaver brothers as a starting duo? -- Don N., Chino Hills, Calif.
The team feels Jered Weaver is very close and that is why he's been extended an invitation to Spring Training, where he will compete for the fifth spot in the rotation. If he does not make the roster, chances are good that Jered Weaver will make at least one start for the Angels during the upcoming season.
Chances are not nearly as good, though, that the brothers will get the opportunity to wear the same uniform. Stoneman said last week that it was "not very likely" the Angels would make a run at signing Jeff Weaver, who is a free agent.
With Darin Erstad moving back to center field, and Chone Figgins at third base, what will the role of Edgardo Alfonzo and McPherson be? Will they fight for the designated hitter role with Rivera? -- Malcolm P., Phoenix
The Angels see Alfonzo mostly as a veteran reserve, capable of backing up at third base and also at second. He can also come off the bench as a pinch-hitter. McPherson's role is less clear. Last year's starter at third for most of the season's first half, McPherson will get the opportunity to win the job, but he's recovering from hip surgery and has to prove he can play every day. He also must find greater consistency at the plate, but his pure power makes him tough to ignore.
To this point, McPherson's rehab has progressed well and he hasn't suffered any setback. DH is a possibility and McPherson has said he'll accept any assignment as long as he's on the field. Rivera could win the DH job outright, but he will most likely share the job in a right/left platoon where McPherson could provide the left-handed component. Rivera should also get time in the outfield.
Is Brendan Donnelly still on the team? If so, what will his role be with the addition of J.C. Romero? -- Jim W., Albuquerque, N.M.
Donnelly is still a member of the Angels bullpen, but Romero will likely cut into his time in the late innings. Donnelly has lost some velocity on his fastball and fell behind Scot Shields as the primary setup man last season. By the end of the year, Kelvim Escobar had also passed him as a late-inning option. Escobar has returned to the rotation, but Donnelly will likely slide into more of middle-relief role.
Romero has not been as effective over the last couple of seasons as he was in 2002, but the Angels believe it has more to do with pitch selection and would like to see him utilize his changeup more often.

Source: http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/