I consider CJ Cron as insurance.

With the Halos first pick in the 2011 draft, the Halos selection was a power hitting, right handed first baseman, who just so happens to have a torn labrum. What does this mean for Kendrys Morales and or Mark Trumbo?

Some have said this pick is an indicator of waning faith in Kendrys Morales by the Angels as Cron is a slugging monster 1B whose stint in college at Utah puts him close to the bigs.  It wasn't too long ago that the Angels were negotiating with Scott Boras for the services of Mark Teixera, but had a wild card in their back pocket in the name of Kendrys Morales.  Halo Fans everywhere were devastated by Teixera picking New York over Anaheim, that is until Morales started going deep.  What would the Angels have done had Teixera agreed to return to Anaheim?  Morales would have either played left or become a regular DH.  

I don't see Cron as a tip that the Angels are "waning in faith" on Morales.  I think this is a very inexpensive insurance policy.  Looking at 2011, Morales hasn't played a single game in over a year.  Even with the remainder of 2010 on the spent on the DL, the Halos offered Morales arbitration, which they agreed to.  Morales will more than likely be offered arbitration again in 2012.  I just can't believe with the kind of year Morales was starting to have in 2010 and the year he had in 2009, that the Angels won't at least offer him arbitration in 2012.  Ideally the Angels front office offers a multi-year deal that's back-loaded with incentives for plate appearances and MVP votes.   Team Morales knows that his stock is very low right now and he might not get a better offer in 2012.  The Angels could also just offer arbitration, which I believe is the most likely scenario.  Team Morales agrees and the Angels and Boras come up with a figure both parties can agree upon.  Morales declines, the Halos get draft pick compensation to the team who is willing to take a risk on him.  If Morales does sign somewhere else, the Halos have Trumbo and Cron will be waiting in the wings.  

What this draft pick mostly means is that the Angels will probably not be in the discussion for either Prince Fielder or Albert Puljous.  Of course you never say never, either one of those guys would certainly give some much needed pop to this line up and in the later part of their careers become more suited for Designated Hitter role anyway.  It also serves as an insurance policy if Morales does go elsewhere.  

But here is hoping Cron has a very successful surgery and we see him help the franchise much sooner than later.

Go Halos