Angels’ Morales hits grand slam, Cubs’ pitching coach ejected

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TEMPE, Ariz. -- Kendry Morales, the Angels’ replacement for Mark Teixeira, just hit a grand slam. The Angels knocked out Chicago Cubs starter Chad Gaudin in a six-run second inning, and the Angels lead, 6-0, after three innings. Cubs pitching Coach Larry Rothschild was ejected in the third inning, after arguing balls and strikes a little too strenuously for plate umpire Kerwin Danley.

Morales is hitting .345 through that first at-bat, so we thought we’d check on Teixeira. His spring statistics look a lot like his playoff statistics from last October -- lots of hits, lots of singles. Teixeira has 17 at-bats this spring, with nine hits -- seven singles, two doubles, no home runs. Totally ridiculous comparison in spring training, but it’s a comparison Angels fans might be making all season.

-- Bill Shaikin