Idea Is to Get Kendrick’s Bat in Lineup

It’s hard to think of your best position-playing prospect as a utility player, but if that’s what it takes to get Howie Kendrick’s potent bat in the lineup, the Angels will do it.

Kendrick, who came up through the organization as a second baseman, started at third base Sunday, first base Tuesday and second base Wednesday -- when he hit his first big league home run, a solo shot to right field, in the Angels’ 15-6 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Kendrick had never played first base at any level before the Angels, desperate for some punch, started him there twice in May. Sunday marked his first big league start at third base.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “We see him as a guy who can give our offense a boost, so we’re going to get as creative as we can while giving us enough defensive continuity to win games.

“He can do what he needs to do at first. He has room for some growth at third, but he can hold his own. We’re going to keep an open mind to what our needs are, and if that means Howie playing three different positions, we’re going to consider it.”

Since being recalled from Salt Lake on July 14, Kendrick, who hit .369 at triple A, has hits in all six games he has started, including two three-hit games, and driven in seven runs.

Kendrick has shown excellent power to the opposite field, above-average speed and has played well at second base, displaying all of the tools that have made him one of the most sought-after players by teams looking to trade with the Angels.

“I know Bill’s philosophy is that no one is untouchable, but there are definitely guys who would command a special package if you’re going to part ways with them,” Scioscia said, referring to General Manager Bill Stoneman. “Howie is showing the potential we think he has, and it’s going to be exciting to see that materialize.”

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Trade talks involving Washington slugger Alfonso Soriano appear to have evolved into a high-stakes game of chicken, but Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden has shown no signs of blinking.

The price for Soriano is high -- Bowden is believed to have asked the Angels for one of their three top young pitchers, John Lackey, Ervin Santana or Jered Weaver, and one of their top prospects, Kendrick or shortstop Brandon Wood.

There is a feeling around baseball that with Soriano becoming a free agent this winter and the Nationals far out of contention, Bowden’s price will drop by Monday’s trading deadline because he will have no choice but to deal the left fielder.

Not so, Bowden told the Washington Post.

“We know the price that we need to have from clubs,” Bowden said. “The price doesn’t change. The price today is the same price it’s going to be at the deadline. We don’t have to trade anybody.”

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Kevin Gregg, who replaced starter Bartolo Colon in the second inning Wednesday, gave up two runs and four hits in 3 1/3 innings before leaving because of an irritated left knee. The right-hander is not expected to go on the disabled list.