Is It K-Mo Time Yet?

Though the Angels have scored 5 runs the last two games, one thing that continues to baffle me is the fact that Kendry Morales remains in the minor leagues. Over his last 10 games, Morales has hit .390 in 41 at-bats, including 2 home runs. Overall, Morales has hit .324/.365/.505 this year, including 8 home runs and 37 RBIs. Considering the difficulty that the Angels have encountered with offense, why not bring Morales up and let him hit?

I’m not suggesting that Morales should take Casey Kotchman’s spot at first base. Kotchman has been the one consistently shining star on offense this year, and there is absolutely no reason for him not to be playing every day. However, I am suggesting that Morales be immediately inserted into the lineup as the DH, or even as a corner outfielder. Kendry is capable of playing both left and right field (as seen last year and this year in the minors), as well as first base. There has also been some speculation that he can play third base. While down in Cuba, Morales played third base, and he’s played the position as recently as 2005 for the Angels’ Class A affiliate Quakes.

With Vladimir Guerrero obviously ailing, why not give Morales a shot to see what he can do? The Angels are in desperate need of a force to light a fire under the flailing offense, so why not Morales? The guy can obviously mash; he’s hit for a high average and power every year he’s been in the minor leagues, and he’s shown he has the ability to hit major league pitching. Last year, Morales hit .294 with the Angels, with 14 extra base hits in 43 games. If he’s given a few days, or maybe even weeks, to play in the majors, I’m sure he wouldn’t disappoint.

As I’ve said before, the Halos need to bench Gary Matthews Jr. He’s done nothing but hurt this team time and time again with his bat. Previously, I was in favor of more playing time for Reggie Willits. And while Willits has shown that he belongs in the majors, he’s not the answer for run production. Kendry Morales is.

With Vlad out (for who knows how long), the Angels should bring up Morales, put him in right field and let him DH. With Kendry in the lineup, we could see a very quick end to our offensive struggles.