Could the Los Angeles Angels try another platoon system?

By Fansided and Joshua Lea/FanSided via Halo Hangout
Published

During the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels have acquired two defensive minded outfielders. What’s unclear is if they will use both players in a platooning system.

The Los Angeles Angels rolled the dice last season by incorporating a platoon system with Craig Gentry and Daniel Nava for the left outfield position. This plan didn’t work to perfection or at all for that matter. In fact, this was one of the biggest handicaps to the Angels 2016 season. The left field remained a haunting position that hindered the Angels all season long.

Fast forward to the end of the season, both Gentry and Nava are no longer with the Angels. Nava signed a minor-league deal with the Phillies this past offseason. Gentry was riddled with injuries throughout the 2016 season and eventually was designated for assignment. He is currently a free agent unlikely to land on a major league roster next season.

Following the 2016 season, the Angels quickly acquired outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Detroit Tigers. Maybin is excited to be sharing the field with Mike Trout. The Angels weren’t done yet, they recently signed Ben Revere who will likely play the same position as Maybin.

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    So, the question is. Is this going to be another platoon system? If so, is this wise considering the massive failure that last year’s platoon system was? What it truly sounds like to me is GM Billy Eppler doesn’t have faith that Maybin would be able to stay healthy throughout the season.

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    After all, Maybin played in just 94 games last season for the Tigers. Revere missed a small portion of the season last year as well. playing in just 103 games. Honestly, I can see the method to the madness of the platooning system. The only real question is will it work? If the Angels are intending to rotate these two players, will the system fair better with Maybin and Revere?

    I’m a firm believer in not repeating the same mistakes. If an idea or lineup doesn’t work, then scrap it, and regroup. However, Maybin and Revere are much better on the field and at the bat than Nava and Gentry. So, in theory, this might actually work.

    it’s a good idea to have a guy like Revere ready in case Maybin gets lands on the DL. This practice was unforeseen last season when the Angels lost key role players. The Angels have beefed up some serious holes within the infield and outfield. It will be interesting to see just how they intend on using Maybin and Revere.