MVN: Most Valuable Network

The right side of the Angels infield needs to do one thing this year for them - and the Angels - to be successful - stay healthy.

Angels first baseman Casey Kotchman played in 137 games in 2007 while Howie Kendrick only managed 88 games due to two stints on the disabled list because of hand injuries.

While Kotchman was healthy for the most part in 2007 despite getting bonked in the head by a Russell Martin throw, he only played in 29 games because of a bout of mono.

Both Kendrick and Kotchman bring tremendous assets to the Angels but need to remain healthy in order to contribute. Kendrick can hit; everyone knows this. Despite the limited number of games, Kendrick hit .322 in 2007; at every minor league level, he hit above .300.

Meanwhile, Casey Kotchman brings more patience to the plate and some pop. He hit 11 home runs in 2007 and hit seven home runs in a limited number of at bats in 2005. He will also walk much more than many of the Angels - certainly more than Vladimir Guerrero.

A few years ago, the Angels were rated as having one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. But now that minor league pool has dried up as some players have become busts (Dallas McPherson) while others have not developed as promised (Jeff Mathis, Ervin Santana).

But Kendrick and Kotchman have shown the talent. They have not shown the ability to stay injury free so far in their careers but the injuries they have both suffered seem far more fluky and freaky and not something that will remain consistent.

Where some players like Joe Crede have developed back issues that has limited their careers, Kendrick and Kotchman could form a potent, patient right side of the infield as long as they can avoid other freaky, fluky injuries.

If Kendrick and Kotchman do get injured, the Angels' depth does become severely tested. If Kendrick goes down, Eric Aybar and Chone Figgins can move to second base but that puts a strain on the team's defense. If Kotchman goes down, Robb Quinlan can play first but he has only been effective against left-handed pitching. Kendry Morales could also step in and play first but while he can hit his fielding lacks.

One of the biggest keys for the Angels' success will be this right side of the infield; one of the reasons the Angels won the World Series in 2002 was because the team matured and many of the players experienced career years. Everything clicked for the team in 2002 and for many of the players it was their second, third and fourth years in the big leagues.

If Kendrick and Kotchman can remain healthy and produce similarily to how Adam Kennedy and Scott Spiezio produced in 2002, the Angels would take a huge step in reaching the World Series again.