TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — As Kendry Morales continues rehabilitation after breaking his leg last season, two power hitters with limited major league experience are in the running to be the Angels' opening day first baseman.
Mark Trumbo, one of the most intriguing players in camp, and Brandon Wood, coming off a disappointing showing, can carve out a regular role with a strong spring, manager Mike Scioscia said Tuesday.Trumbo hit 36 home runs with 122 RBIs at Triple-A Salt Lake in 2010, giving him 120 career minor-league homers in the Angels organization.
"Mark's first step is to carve a spot out on our roster and show that he's ready to contribute and play in our league and then, hopefully, win some at bats," Scioscia said. "He's on our depth chart in a number of places."
Scioscia did not close the door on Trumbo playing in the outfield. Trumbo appeared in eight games with the Angels last season but went just one-for-15. Primarily a first baseman, he played 24 games in the outfield for Salt Lake last year.
"In theory, when you have a guy with a bigger swing, the entire maintenance of maintaining that swing is to play," said Scioscia, adding that a hitter with a big swing doesn't necessarily have to receive 400 or 500 at bats per season, but "it's a difficult role for anybody, especially guys with bigger swings."
