Kendry Morales says he'll be ready for Angels' opener

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels first baseman Kendry Morales said Wednesday that he expects to be ready for opening day April 5 despite being late to spring training because he had to complete U.S. immigration paperwork.

Separately, Morales declined to discuss details about the reported disappearance of $300,000 from his bank account, which has prompted an investigation of a former employee of the sports-management firm that formerly represented Morales, according to a recent ESPN.com report.

Michael Weiner, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Assn., said during the weekend that the union was among those looking into the matter.

Morales did say the matter played a role in his decision to recently hire a new agent, Scott Boras.

Although he previously had held talks with Boras, "I never thought about anything until this took place, and then that was a good time for me to make a switch," Morales said.

The delay in Morales' arrival at camp had "nothing to do with the agent," Morales said, but rather he had to wait until Feb. 4 to apply for a new work visa and it was "just the time it took to get my paperwork back."

Morales said he's been in the Phoenix area since Feb. 22 and, while not playing baseball, has been running and working out in a gym "to stay in shape."

In 2009, the switch-hitting Morales had a breakout season, batting .306 with 34 home runs and 108 runs batted in.

-- Jim Peltz

Photo: Angels first baseman Kendry Morales rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium in October. Credit: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times