Lots of new updates for the Los Angeles Angels, who have a lot of issues to sort out before getting back to where they want to go.
Jerome Williams could be vying for the fifth starting spot. Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports.
Along with Williams, who's out of options, the Angels will also have budding prospect Garrett Richards vying for a spot alongside Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, C.J. Wilson and Ervin Santana. Richards, 23, posted a 5.79 ERA in 14 Major League innings last year, but has an electric arm and went 12-2 with a 3.15 ERA in Double-A.
There's also Trevor Bell, who made 19 relief appearances in 2011, and lefty Brad Mills, who came over from the Blue Jays in the Jeff Mathis trade. Both have an option year left. Then, there's Eric Hurley and Matt Shoemaker, signed to Minor League deals this offseason.
The Angels have some solid options up front, but they lose depth halfway
Kendrys Morales has probably caused a lot of consternation for Angels fans in general. Gonzalez has more from the MLB Pro Blogs.
"This year, I’ve felt a lot better compared to last year. I can do any exercises that they give me," Morales said in Spanish. "Very different from last year. I think for the start [of the season], I should be ready."
Morales is definitely worth keeping around if he can find the range, because he's a deadly hitter when he's healthy. This could be a good sign.
Mark Trumbo seems to be on his way to a full recovery, and should be ready in the next week or so. Gonzalez has more.
Mark Trumbo's next target date: Feb. 28.
That's the day the Angels slugger, and third base hopeful, will get the stress fracture on his right foot re-evaluated, in hopes of taking the next step in his recovery -- that of full-on sprinting and, thus, zero limitations on a baseball field.
Trumbo will be flying to Los Angeles to get re-imaged by foot-and-ankle specialist Dr. Phil Kwong, who also worked through Kendrys Morales' recovery from a broken left ankle. The 25-year-old Trumbo is simply waiting for the miniature tear on his foot to completely close up.
It makes sense to keep Trumbo in track before throwing him out there to keep him healthy.
To talk about spring training with fellow Angels fans, check out Halos Heaven.