Sleeper Watch

Last December, somewhere in between the on-again, off-again Randy Johnson trade saga and the steroid allegations that have held our attention this off-season, the Anaheim Angels quietly signed Kendry Morales, considered by many to be Cuba’s top prospect, to a six-year deal. Since then, much has happened in the world of baseball. The Yankees finally landed the Big Unit, the Angels changed their name to the ridiculous ‘Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim,’ and the steroid swamp continues to cast an ugly shadow over the game. One thing that didn’t come to pass, however, is the anticipated media hype surrounding the latest Cuban star to head for the greener pastures of the major leagues.

That lack of hoopla, a stark contrast to other recent defectors, has led to Morales being all but ignored in fantasy circles. Yet in deep leagues, where finding upside at the end of the draft is no mean feat, he may well be worth a closer look.

A switch-hitter who can hit for both power aned average, Morales starred with Industriales of the Cuban National League as well as the Cuban National Team before being abruptly suspended in 2003 in an effort to prevent his defection. Unfortunately, his recent performance, such as his three-HR, eleven-RBI effort in nine games during the 2003 Baseball World Cup (in which he was, incidentally, the only Cuban to receive an intentional walk), can’t be considered an accurate gauge of his big-league potential.

At this point, it isn’t even clear whether the 21-year-old rookie will break camp with the Angels, nor what position he’ll play if he does earn a roster spot. In Cuba, Morales saw time in both the infield and the outfield, and even on the mound. First base, third base, outfield and designated hitter are all possibilities should he wind up in Anaheim.

Kendry Morales is one of baseball’s biggest question marks heading into spring training (assuming he ever gets there; he’s currently dealing with passport difficulties in the Dominican Republic). Will he be a Maels Rodriguez caliber bust? Does he still need time in the minors for seasoning? Or is his talent so great that he can contribute at the major-league level right away? Only one thing is certain: the young Cuban defector will be a very interesting player to watch this spring.