LOS ANGELES – For Ian Stewart, the 2014 baseball season is probably going to go a lot better than 2013.
That’s largely because, for him, last year was bad – really, really bad, he says.
“There is no way else, really, to describe it,” says Stewart, a graduate of La Quinta High and now an Angels infielder. “It was bad, and it’s been a difficult road back, mentally, physically, emotionally, everything.”
Stewart, 28, has nearly completed that road. He is on the verge of earning a spot on the Angels’ opening day roster.
It’s not a foregone conclusion, but Stewart seems likely to beat out infielder Grant Green and outfielder Collin Cowgill for the team’s last bench spot because of his left-handed power bat and defensive versatility.
He did not think making a 2014 opening day roster would be feasible when his 2013 season unceremoniously ended last August, after the Dodgers, his second team of the year, released him from Triple-A.
Two months before, the Cubs cut him after he criticized the organization on Twitter.
“I don’t want to say it wasn’t a possible reality for me, but I knew it was a long shot,” Stewart said of making the Angels.
But this spring, he has impressed in the field and at the plate, hitting .311 with three home runs in 45 at-bats.
“I feel like I’ve put myself in a good position,” Stewart said. “I think I’ve proved that I can still hit.”
Manager Mike Scioscia likes the way Stewart can hit for power to right field and contact to left.
“He’s made some adjustments in his offensive game that we’re starting to see,” Scioscia said. “He started off a little slow, but as he’s got some at-bats he’s really come on.”
Stewart can play anywhere in the infield except shortstop and the outfield as a “last resort,” according to the manager.
“Defensively, he’s looked really good at third and first, and he’s played second, too,” Scioscia said. “His versatility is something that’s going to work in his favor.”
ANGELS APPRAISED
Arte Moreno bought the Angels almost 11 years ago for $180 million. Their value has more than quadrupled.
Forbes valued the Angels at $775 million in the magazine’s annual figures, released Thursday. That’s 10th in baseball and an 8 percent increase from their $718 million valuation a year ago, an essentially average growth rate compared to the rest of the league.
Forbes estimated the Angels turned a $5.8 million profit in 2013 after losing $12.9 million in 2012.
The Dodgers were deemed to be worth $2 billion, second in MLB but still $500 million short of the Yankees. The Dodgers’ 24 percent jump in value was the second-best in baseball, after the San Francisco Giants.
RELIEVER UPDATES
Two relievers who will begin the regular season on the disabled list completed steps in their rehabilitation Thursday.
Right-hander Dane De La Rosa, who missed more than a week after experiencing soreness in his forearm, threw an inning in a minor league game in Arizona. Left-hander Sean Burnett, dealing with some adjacent soreness while recovering from a torn flexor tendon in his elbow, threw a successful bullpen session at Dodger Stadium.
“He feels much better,” Scioscia said of Burnett. “He’s definitely taken a step forward.”
De La Rosa remains on track to pitch in major league games before Burnett.
Contact the writer: pmoura@ocregister.com
