Kendry Morales got a late start in spring training because of a slow-to-process work visa application. But the Angels are counting on the Cuban first baseman to use his breakout 2009 season as a springboard to more success.

Stepping into shoes vacated by Mark Teixeira last year, Morales had one of the best seasons ever by an Angels first baseman. In his first full season in the big leagues, Morales hit .306 with 34 home runs and 108 RBI and finished fifth in the American League MVP voting.

It was more than the Angels could have expected—but it is what they need him to duplicate in 2010.

"What I think Kendry showed was that he's able to bring his talent not only into a game but into a season and maintain it for a whole year," manager Mike Scioscia said.

Hideki Matsui finally got the chance to play for the Los Angeles Angels. Matsui made his spring debut on Tuesday, getting a single in two trips to the plate during a 6-5 win over the San Diego Padres. The designated hitter struck out against Chris Young in the first and grounded Radhames Liz's 3-1 pitch up the middle for a hit in the fourth.

The Oakland Athletics at Los Angels Angels game has been rained out Sunday. About 50 Japanese media were in attendance to cover Hideki Matsui's debut with the Angels. Matsui signed a one-year, $6 million free-agent contract after being named World Series MVP with the New York Yankees last season. Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters earlier in camp that Matsui would be treated carefully...

Coco Crisp's debut with Oakland gave manager Bob Geren an interesting dilemma at the top of the batting order. Crisp doubled and singled, Steve Tolleson drove in the go-ahead run and the Athletics beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 on Saturday. "That was a real nice first game," Geren said of Crisp.

Mark Wagner's tiebreaking single in the eighth inning gave the Boston Red Sox a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins in the spring training opener for both teams Thursday night. The catcher, ticketed to start the season in the minors barring an injury to Victor Martinez or Jason Varitek, singled in Josh Reddick, who had doubled and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Darnell McDonald.