Izturis Drawing Notice

Maicer Izturis counted himself among the throng of adoring fans who tracked every movement of his half brother Cesar during winter ball in their native Venezuela, even though the siblings competed on different teams.

“I watch him and I keep my eyes on him,” Maicer said of the Gold Glove award-winning Dodger shortstop, “because I think I am a similar player.”

The more the Angels’ slight shortstop resembles his more established sibling, the better his chances of making his presence felt this season at the major league level.

A herniated disk in third baseman Dallas McPherson’s lower back has increased Izturis’ chances of making the roster on opening day, though Izturis would prefer to win a spot in the Angel Stadium clubhouse based on merit.

Izturis, acquired in the November trade in which the Angels sent Jose Guillen to the Washington Nationals, is a solid defender who also impressed at the plate last season with triple-A Edmonton, hitting .338 with three homers, 19 doubles and 36 runs batted in.

Izturis hit only .206 with one homer and four RBIs in 32 games with the Montreal Expos, but he has not appeared overmatched this spring, hitting .257 with six runs batted in.

Maicer and Cesar, who live in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, have the same father but different mothers. Maicer is seven months younger and one inch shorter than his half brother, who is listed at 5 feet 9. Both are switch-hitters.

“They both are very quick, and they both are incredible defenders,” Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said.

“[Maicer] is a major league shortstop, there’s no doubt about it.”

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Orlando Cabrera rejoined the team after acquiring permanent U.S. residency in his native Colombia, a move that will allow the shortstop to travel abroad without obtaining a visa. Cabrera, who has a home in Florida, said he would receive a green card in six months and could apply to become a U.S. citizen in three years.

With commercial flights out of Colombia limited during the week preceding Easter, Cabrera used a politician’s private plane on his return trip, landing in Phoenix about 3:30 a.m. Sunday. He worked out with the team and is scheduled to return to the lineup Tuesday after the Angels’ only off day of the spring.

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Adam Kennedy said he had gotten over some initial hesitancy going to his right while fielding ground balls, a movement that tests the strength of his surgically repaired right knee. The second baseman will stay with the team at least through the Freeway Series and could embark on a rehabilitation assignment early next month.... Kelvim Escobar said he felt “100%” after making his second start of the spring during the Angels’ 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The right-hander, who had been slowed by tightness in his shoulder, gave up one run in 3 1/3 innings. He struck out three and walked none. Bengie Molina homered, and Robb Quinlan had a two-run single.