Angels’ Kendry Morales joins Boras camp

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Rumor was that one of the reasons the Angels steered clear of outfielder Matt Holliday in this winter’s free-agent market was the fact he is represented by uber-agent Scott Boras. But they won’t be able to avoid talking to Boras next winter.

That’s because Angels first baseman Kendry Morales has signed with Boras’ agency, a Boras associate confirmed Saturday, marking the second time in two years the Cuba defector has changed representatives. Morales joined Hendricks Sports Management in 2008 but left this week after reportedly having a falling out with a Hendricks employee.

Morales, who is scheduled to make $700,000 this season in the final year of his contract, will be eligible for arbitration next season. Last summer, in his first full big league season, the switch-hitter batted .306 with 34 homers and 108 RBIs, finishing fifth in the voting for American League MVP. Boras has already said he is open to discussing a long-term contract for his new client.

And speaking of arbitration, only eight major league players who have sought arbitration have not had their cases heard, but two of them are Angels -- shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Jeff Mathis. Those arguments are scheduled to be heard next week, when pitchers and catchers report to the Angels training camp in Tempe.

Aybar, who finished eighth in the league with a .312 average last season, is asking for $2.75 million, nearly a million more than the team’s $1.8-million offer. Mathis, who hit .211 in 84 games, is seeking $1.3 million, nearly double the Angels’ offer of $700,000.

-- Kevin Baxter