Los Angeles Angels Sprint Training rolls merrily along, with no shortage of updates to go around.
The first item is regarding Bobby Abreu and his request for either significant playing time or a trade. Aaron Gleeman at HardballTalk relays the information that general manager Jerry DiPoto has told Abreu that the DH is in line for about 400 plate appearances this season.
Abreu got 585 plate appearances last season and it was his first time under 650 plate appearances since 1998. In other words, he's basically never been a part-time player.
Abreu told Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times that 400 at-bats "is fine with me," although it's worth noting that the Angels cited 400 plate appearances, rather than 400 at-bats, which can be a big difference considering Abreu's walk rate. Whatever the case, I still think there's a strong chance he's moved between now and the end of spring training if Kendrys Morales and Mark Trumbo get healthy.
Mike DiGiovanna at the Los Angeles Times also reported that outfielder Peter Bourjos is not experiencing any issues with a frayed labrum in his right hip joint, but will likely need surgery following the 2012 season to repair the damage.
Bourjos, 24, has dealt with this hip issue for four or five years, but it hasn't affected his play. He had a break-out 2011 season, hitting .271 with 12 home runs, 11 triples, 26 doubles, 43 runs batted in, 72 runs and 22 stolen bases and played superb defense in center field.
"As long as I keep it strong and loose, it should be all right," said Bourjos, who underwent physical therapy in Arizona all winter. "Once I get going, it's fine. It's usually after games that it's sore. That's why I soak in an ice bath."
Finally, Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register provides yet another update on the comeback progress of first baseman Kendrys Morales.
The Angels' rehabbing slugger added gradual turns to his daily running workout on the outfield grass. The inclusion of changes in direction during the low-intesity sprints represents another incremental step forward for Morales.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia (back in camp after missing Sunday's workout with an illness) said he could see Morales progressing to running the bases within the next 10 days to two weeks.
Morales still remains on pace to see playing time beginning in the second week of Spring Training games.
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