Kotchman makes his play for lost job

TEMPE, ARIZ. —  The Angels handed the starting first base job to Casey Kotchman last spring, but he contracted mononucleosis and sat out most of the season. The Angels have promised him nothing this spring, but he appears well on the way to winning his job back.

Kotchman homered and singled in the Angels’ 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. He has played on consecutive days, a rarity so early in spring training, and he said he’s willing to play every day if necessary to convince the Angels he has recovered his strength and endurance.

In Kotchman, Manager Mike Scioscia sees a player with potential comparable to former Angels first basemen Wally Joyner and J.T. Snow. Kotchman hit .302 with seven home runs in 40 games as the primary first baseman in the final two months of the 2005 season.

At first base, offense is the Angels’ first priority. They haven’t ruled out Kendry Morales at first base -- or Shea Hillenbrand, if they really do trade for a big bat at designated hitter -- but Kotchman’s defensive superiority could clinch the job for him as long as he keeps hitting.

“You see the tools,” Scioscia said. “You like the way he produces. You see the swing. It’s going to be consistency -- getting out there and staying healthy -- that’s going to be his last test.”

The Angels considered trading Kotchman last winter, offering him to the Colorado Rockies as part of a package for veteran slugger and first baseman Todd Helton.

After trade talks died, Colorado Chairman Charlie Monfort told MLB.com that Helton had little interest in playing for the Angels. The Denver Post reported Helton would have waived his no-trade clause for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves, but not for the Angels.

Helton, speaking before Saturday’s Angels-Rockies game, said the Rockies never asked him to approve a trade to the Angels and was reluctant to discuss why he might not have wanted to play in Anaheim.

“I love Mike Scioscia,” Helton said.

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Outfielder Reggie Willits, bidding for the final bench spot, singled home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday.... Closer Francisco Rodriguez and setup man Scot Shields are expected to make their exhibition debut Friday, preceded sometime this week by setup man Justin Speier. Rodriguez pitched three innings in the Cactus League last season, then led the majors with 47 saves.... Scioscia said left fielder Garret Anderson, working out some stiffness in his legs, is scheduled to make his exhibition debut today.

bill.shaikin@latimes.com