Morales 'impressive' in BP sessions: The Sports Xchange reports after taking a week in Miami for personal reasons, Kendrys Morales, who has not played since fracturing his left ankle on May 29, 2010, returned to Arizona last week and began taking live batting practice on a daily basis. Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos has also spent the winter rehabilitating an injury in Arizona and has worked out with Morales on multiple occasions. "I've been hitting with him every day and he looks strong," Bourjos said. "(Jan. 23) was the first time he took live BP (with a coach throwing) and he was popping them out from both sides. It's very impressive." (Updated 01/29/2012)
Injury Report
Leg, toe - Doubtful for start of spring training (Updated - 1/5/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Morales was also impressive in batting practice last spring. But the pain and lack of flexibility in his ankle prevented him from ever advancing beyond that point and appearing in games or even running on the field during workouts. Morales eventually opted for a second surgery last May that removed degenerative cysts and scar tissue in the joint as well as performing a bone graft. The switch-hitting Morales is swinging from both sides of the plate, something he was never cleared to do during his aborted comeback last spring. In recent weeks, he was cleared to increase his workouts and is now running on a treadmill with no weight-bearing assistance. It seems Morales is making positive progress, but the Angels still are going to be cautious. Once he does return, however, then the Angels have to find him at-bats now that Albert Pujols is the team's everyday 1B. Morales should not be drafted prior to the later rounds of mixed league drafts. (Updated 01/29/2012).
02/10/2012 13:27 2012 Draft Prep: 12-team, mixed H2H draft
Which picks stood out in our initial 12-team Head-to-Head mock draft for 2012? Check out the results and read what Scott White has to say about some of the more interesting selections.
02/02/2012 12:21 2012 Draft Prep: Our 12-team, mixed Rotisserie draft
It's time for owners to start looking ahead to Draft Day. We get you off and running with our 12-team Rotisserie mock draft. Check out the results!
Kendrys Morales missed the entire 2011 campaign as he continued to recover from a broken ankle he suffered in May 2010. His progress has been slow but it looks as though he should be able to return this season, which would be a big boost for the Angels. With the addition of Albert Pujols, Morales will be eased back into the lineup as DH and could do some serious damage. He batted .306 with 34 homers and 108 RBI during his breakout 2009 campaign and blasted 11 home runs with 39 RBI in 51 games in 2010 before suffering the infamous injury. Keep an eye on his progress throughout the spring as the 28-year-old has the potential to have a solid season. Target him in the later rounds on Draft Day due to his injury risk, but don't be surprised if Morales ends up being a solid performer in Fantasy this season. (Updated 2/8/12)