How to Sabotage an Offense

The American league uses a stupid rule, known as the designated hitter. While this should be an easy position to fill since you can choose a player without regard to his fielding ability, an American League team can sabotage their offense by choosing poorly and getting below average production from this spot.

The Angels have shown a remarkable ability to choose poorly here over their history. To do this, follow one of these suggestions:

1) Sign a formerly great player, but one who is at the very end of his career.
Examples: Dave Parker, 1991. Eddie Murray, 1997

2) Sign a mediocre player in his early to mid 30's. For a mediocre player, this time is likely near the very end of his career, very few mediocre players last to their late 30's or to 40.

Examples: Hubie Brooks, 1992. Glenallen Hill, 2001. Shea Hillenbrand, 2006

How to avoid having a DH hole in the middle of your order:

1) Great player in his late 30's -Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson

Perhaps Vlad will be the next.

2) Very good hitter in the prime of his career - Chili Davis, Don Baylor

Juan Rivera if his leg heals properly.


3) Young guy who can't do anything but hit - Willie Aikens, Jason Thompson, Brad Fullmer

This may be the future of Kendry Morales, he's actually a pretty good defensive 1B, but probably not as good as Kotchman.