61 days left ’til Opening Day

There are 61 days left until that best day of the year, MLB Opening Day.

61 is also the number of hits Adam Kennedy got in 2007, his lowest total since his rookie season.

Of course, Kennedy will always be remembered by Angels fans for his three homers in Game 5 of the 2002 ALCS, which helped the Halos win the game and clinch their first and only World Series berth in franchise history.

Kennedy had to be the least likely Angel to hit three homers that day, since he had hit only seven dingers all year long.

2007 wasn’t nearly as good for Kennedy. He was horrible while he played (.219/.282/.290 for an OPS+ of 50), and missed a good chunk of the year due to a knee injury.

Recently, St. Louis manager Tony La Russa was upset at him for missing the Cardinals’ winter fan festival, and also said he wouldn’t be as patient with Kennedy this season:

“I’m disappointed he’s not here,” La Russa said. “This is a statement we make to our fans: ‘Thanks for coming out,’ and he’s not here.

“In the first three months of the season, his playing time was extensive when he really wasn’t productive. I really gave him the benefit of the doubt a lot, to the detriment of a guy like Aaron Miles.

“This year, I don’t think we have that margin. Adam is a key guy in that mix so I expect him to return to his winning-player form.”

Here’s hoping Kennedy rebounds. Even if he doesn’t, Angel fans should always remember Kennedy lovingly.