Mailbag: Colon's health carries weight

03/13/2006
Coming into Spring Training I remember reading about how Bartolo Colon was supposed to be in such great shape. It appears to me, however, that he hasn't really lost any weight at all. What's up? -- Riley A., Calgary
Colon is in better shape physically following a more regimented offseason training program, but he admitted he has not lost any weight. A bigger issue for both Colon and the Angels is the condition of his right shoulder and lower back. Neither has caused the right-hander any pain this spring or slowed him down.
Colon is further ahead than he has been in past springs and is showing it by pitching well in the World Baseball Classic. He must continue back exercises throughout the season to avoid the back spasms that plagued him at different points of last season. While his weight will always be a concern, the bigger issue is his overall conditioning, which is better this spring than it has been since he joined the Angels.
If Howie Kendrick is as "can't-miss" as has been advertised and he continues to hit in the spring, why don't the Angels play him at DH to start the year? I know that is a traditional power spot, but Kendrick would seem to fit right in with the Angels style of bunching hits and speed on the base paths as they manufacture runs. -- Michael H., East Brunswick, N.J.
The idea has been floated that Kendrick could help the Angels lineup as the designated hitter, but it is seen as more of a stopgap measure if the offense needs a jolt. If he is head and shoulders above the competition at Triple-A, then the Angels will certainly open up a spot for him, but there is a reluctance to bring him up solely to be the DH.
Kendrick has made great strides at second base and projects onto the Angels depth chart probably sooner than later given that Adam Kennedy will be in his walk year in 2006. But the Angels do not want to arrest Kendrick's development as a player by reducing him to purely an offensive role. His quickest route to the Majors at the moment will be as a second baseman and the organization will keep him there until other needs dictate a switch.
If Jeff Weaver signs with another club next year, will the Angels receive a high draft pick for compensation? Bonus Question: I hear over and over again that a player has a lifetime batting average of X, even when he has years left in him at the Major League level. So, how does one achieve a "lifetime" batting average with many more ABs remaining in his career?-- Ben N., La Palma, Calif.
The Angels will receive a compensation pick for Weaver if he does not re-sign with them and they offer him salary arbitration. His statistics will determine whether he is a Class A, B or C free agent. If Weaver is an A, for example, the Angels will get a first-round pick if he signs with a team that finishes with one of the 15 best records in 2006. If the signing team is in the bottom 15, the Angels would get a second-round pick. Teams that lose an A player also get a sandwich pick between Rounds One and Two.
The "lifetime" batting average is a bit of misnomer as if the numbers would be averaged over the person's whole life. It is more accurate to refer to it as a "career" batting average.
I know that Chone Figgins is penciled in as the starting third baseman, but he has been making lots of errors. Do you think Dallas McPherson has a chance to start at third?-- Israel O., La Habra, Calif.
McPherson definitely has a shot at the third baseman's job this season and has played well in the field so far this spring. The key for McPherson will be offense and health. He's showing signs of getting his timing back at the plate and his hip has not been slowing him down. If he improves his walk totals and regains his stroke to the point that he will add something to the lineup he will at least break with the club if not return to third.
I know Edgardo Alfonzo is playing for Venezuela in the WBC. If he plays well and shows that he has the ability to play every day what are the chances of him playing third base with the Angels? -- Roberto S., Zulia, Venezuela
Alfonzo will see time at both third base and second this season, but not as a starter. The Angels will use the veteran as a key reserve in the infield and also as a right-handed bat off the bench. Injuries, of course, would dictate changes and that could push Alfonzo into the lineup on a more regular basis. At this point, though, Alfonzo would slot behind both Figgins and McPherson at third base.

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