Juan Rivera/Casey Kotchman

[red]

This came up about six weeks or so ago and everyone seemed to think that Rivera was going to be the DH, but CBS has just changed the depth chart to have Kotchmas as the DH and Rivera as 4th OF (after Garrett, Vlad, Finley).

Incredibly deep team, no doubt: but does anyone from Anaheim (Los Angeles, Anaheim Los Angeles Disneworld?) know the status of this position battle?
Who's doing what this season as OF/DH/1b?
Thanks!

[hybrid]

I still think Kotchman will start the year in the minors. He is hitting well in ST, but so is Rivera and he is showing power with 3 hr's. I think the biggest reason for him starting in the minors, is that he still has options left and they want him to play in the field, not to just go to bat 3 or 4 times a game. They are a deep team like you said, and simply don't need him right now.

Oh yeah, I don't live in Cali ... but you said Disney World (which is in Florida btw)

[red]

What is it over there in Cali?
Disneyland?

Thanks for the heads up.
Is there any local news on this? DisneyLANDers?

[Phatferd]

Live in the OC, the Angels are the team I support. What I am hearing on the radio/papers and so forth is that its still a toss up. They feel the DH spot will be a revolving door until someone solidifies their spot. You guys are also forgetting about Davannon, he will get a shot too.

I love Kotchman, but I don't see them wasting a year getting a handful of ABs and not playing the field at all (he has great defensive skills to go to waste). He will more than likely be in AAA to start the year. However, with Dallas out Quinlan will be at 3B, but when Dallas gets back Quinlan is another person in the revolving DH door.

This is not mentioning Morales, who hasn't been granted a visa yet. He kinda lost his spot due to this, but he was also supposed to get a shot.

Also, Tim Salmon should be back at some point and he will see some time as the DH. No matter where Kotchman ends up it is still very crowded.

Here is the list of guys sharing the DH role:
Rivera
Quin/Dallas (whoever isn't at 3B)
Davannon
Figgins (Kennedy will come back)
Salmon
Morales?
Kotchman?
Vlad (Scoscia will give him a day off in the field, but wants his bat in the lineup)
GA (same as Vlad)


My advice, stay away from these guys if you are looking for a DH, very crowded this year for the Angels.