First Base Update: Morales, Morneau, Lee

by
March 24, 2011

Some quick injury updates at fantasy’s most productive position…

Kendrys Morales | Angels

Of the many things that went wrong for the 2010 Angels, Morales’ fractured leg had to be the worst. Not only is he still recovering from that injury, but now he’s dealing with soreness in his left foot as well. It’s not related to the broken leg, but it’s slowing down the rehab and will cause him to start the season on the disabled list. Halos’ fans can set me straight on this, but it looks like Mark Trumbo will get a shot to play first in the meantime following his monster spring, though he just missed some time with back issues.

Justin Morneau | Twins

It’s still uncertain if Morneau will be ready in time for Opening Day following last season’s concussion, though he has returned to the plate in Spring Training (for all of five games so far). The Twins will simply do what they did in his absence last year and play Michael Cuddyer at first with Jason Kubel in right and Jim Thome at DH, which is fine for them but not your fantasy team.

Derrek Lee | Orioles

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Offseason wrist surgery and nagging soreness has held Lee back this spring, not to mention a foul ball hit off his foot. He just got back into the lineup this week and appears to be on target for Opening Day. Of course Lee isn’t even the best fantasy first baseman on his own team, that honor belongs to left fielder Luke Scott, who would likely fill-in at first should Lee need more time off for whatever else pops up.

* * *

Freddie Freeman, Daric Barton, and Dan Johnson are unowned in most leagues, so that’s three not terrible options that could help you get by until the three guys above get healthy and back into the lineup consistently. Chris Davis has been crushing the ball in Spring Training, though there might not be enough at-bats to go around with the Rangers. He could be an option if traded.





 

Mike writes about the Yankees at River Ave. Blues and baseball in general at CBS Sports.

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William
14 years ago

morneau recently got his first hit in spring training. If this is any indication i think he is on track for opening day

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