Kennedy’s Second-Best Against Lefties

Troy Glaus and Adam Kennedy each were selected among the top 20 picks in the 1997 draft. Glaus arrived in the major leagues one year later, Kennedy two years later, and both were expected to enjoy long and prosperous careers.

So far, so good for Glaus, already a two-time All-Star third baseman. But Kennedy, proclaimed by the Angels as their second baseman for the next decade when they acquired him from the Cardinals two years ago, returns to St. Louis today without an everyday job.

Kennedy played every day two years ago, hitting .266 in his rookie season. He hit .270 last year and is hitting .292 this year, and his defense is much improved. But, during the second half last season and again this season, Manager Mike Scioscia has typically used Benji Gil or Jose Nieves at second base against left-handers. The Angels have faced 19 left-handed starters this season; Kennedy has started three times.

“I don’t know if he just didn’t have anybody else to play second base my first year, or whether he’s lost confidence in me the last couple of years to play every day,” Kennedy said.

Scioscia insisted he has confidence in Kennedy, pointing out his 532 plate appearances last season were “in the everyday mold” and that matchups can favor Gil or Nieves, allowing the Angels to get another right-handed bat in the lineup against left-handers.

“That’s not a reflection on Adam’s ability at all,” Scioscia said. “I think Adam can hit lefties. As his offensive potential emerges, he’ll match up well with any pitcher.”

With infield prospect Alfredo Amezaga nearly ready for the majors, Kennedy might have to leave the Angels to play every day, which would leave the team with nothing to show for the trade that sent Jim Edmonds to the Cardinals.

That would be a cruel blow to Angel fans already wondering how potent this year’s lineup could be with Edmonds in center, Darin Erstad playing first base, and Gil, Nieves and/or Scott Spiezio playing second base and batting ninth. Three years ago, the Angels had signed Spiezio to play second, before trading for Kennedy.

“Without a doubt, I plan on being an everyday player,” Kennedy said. “I would love for it to be here.”

ON DECK

Opponent--St. Louis Cardinals, three games.

Site--Busch Stadium.

Tonight--5 PDT.

TV--Channel 9 tonight.

Radio--KLAC (570), XPRS (1090).

Records--Angels 39-27, Cardinals 38-29.

Record vs. Cardinals--First meeting.

TONIGHT

ANGELS’

KEVIN APPIER

(5-5, 3.87 ERA)

vs.

CARDINALS’

DARRYL KILE

(4-4, 3.97 ERA)

Update--Appier has lost his last four starts, amid concern about occasional tightness in his pitching arm.

Wednesday, 4 p.m. PDT--Aaron Sele (6-3, 4.97) vs. Matt Morris (9-4, 3.09).

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. PDT--Ramon Ortiz (7-5, 3.40) vs. Bud Smith (0-4, 8.74).