With the expanded playoffs, the American League West might have room for two teams in the postseason this season, because there are two big-time teams that will go for the division in 2012. And very little separates the two-time pennant winners (Rangers) from the team that used to dominate the division (Angels).
One has a good shot at the wild card, and the biggest wild card in the division is on the Angels: Kendrys Morales.
Morales hasn't played in almost two seasons since getting hurt in a freak accident, breaking his leg in a home-plate celebration early in the 2010 season. He wasn't even known as Kendrys Morales then - he was Kendry. But he was a blossoming star as the team's first baseman, hitting .306 with 34 homers in 2009. Barring a major injury he won't be the Angels' first baseman -- that's Albert Pujols' job now -- but Morales could be the designated hitter.
In a workout Sunday, Morales ran the bases in cleats for the first time since the injury. He believes he could play in a spring training game this week.
Said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, to the Los Angeles Times: "There's still hurdles. You can't simulate adrenaline, secondary leads. It was his left foot [injured], though, so the right foot should be fine. The quick twitch, things you can only see in playing, is what we'll watch to get a guide."
If Morales is healthy and hitting close to the way he did three years ago, the Angels could put a great lineup together to go with a solid rotation, setting up an intriguing AL West race.
2012 Preview: American League West
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