Hot Corner Gone Cold: Past Mistakes Come Full Circle for Angels

The Angels non-tendered their power-hitting third baseman of the future (or past), Dallas McPherson.

Angels' fans will forever remember McPherson as the reason the organization gave up on Troy Glaus—and allowed his guaranteed 35 HR/100 RBI/.360 OBP/.520 slugging to walk via free agency.

Hindsight is 20/20, but it was obviously a huge mistake to sacrifice proven production for unproven talent. McPherson has never panned out, battling injuries in 2005 and 2006 before sitting out all of 2007.

To his credit, McPherson did show his power potential in 360 ABs, hitting 18 home runs despite the injuries. He also showed a propensity for the strikeout (121 in fewer than 400 plate appearances), and a lack of plate discipline (only 23 walks).

For all his flaws, though, I simply can't believe the Angels non-tendered McPherson now—especially considering they refused to acquire Miguel Cabrera and have no legitimate third base option.

At the very least, the team could have invited McPherson to spring training to see if he had anything left. He said last week that he's fully healed and ready to go.

Instead, the Angels seemed primed to give Chone Figgins the third base job. I'm still under the impression that Figgins' best position is super-sub—but with the Angels' new outfield depth, Figgins has been relegated to infield options and DH.

Personally, I think it's time the Angels hand Morgan Ensberg a contract and invite him to spring training. He's not a great option, but he's a patient, powerful hitter who may catch lightning.

If he doesn't work out, the Angels can cut him and be no worse for it.

If Ensberg is able to recapture his form, on the other hand, he's at worst a .270/.370 OBP/.480 slugging line waiting to happen—with an upside that's much greater than that.

He's slugged 36 HR in a season before, and even though that came at hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park, he could definitely hit 25 HR with nice peripheral stats.