Big Daddy Vladdy doesn't want any part of a platooning DH role. In a recent interview at the beginning of spring training, he didn't even wait for the translation to the question before he answered with a big NO! Big Daddy has DH'd at times while suffering or returning from injuries, including the playoffs last year. Now, with the addition of Torii Hunter this year and Gary Mathews last year, we have a very crowded outfield that also includes Reggie Willits, Juan Rivera, and Garret Anderson.
When the Angels added Torii Hunter they floated the idea of rotating Garret and Vladdy on the DH to keep everybody fresh and lessen Garret's exposure to another injury. So when Vladdy arrived at spring training this was the first issue he was asked about. We have not heard any complaints as of yet from Garret but he is older and has suffered a lot from injuries.
In a separate interview, Gary Mathews was asked about whether or not he would be willing to move to left or right field to make room for Torii and he indicated that he would not have any problem with that. But when he plays in left or right that means that either Garret or Vladdy is either sitting on penciled in as the DH.
My take on all this is that Garret will DH more than Vladdy. I also believe that Willets and Rivera are going to have a hard time getting playing time unless they end up at first base. Of course, injuries during the season can loosen things up and give everyone an opportunity to play. One thing seems obvious. Big Daddy Vladdy will be roaming right field more often than not.
SlamFan
