In this potential lineup, Jason Giambi would bat third; Rondell White, not a classic power hitter, would bat fourth; and John Vander Wal, who may soon be acquired by the Yankees, would platoon with Shane Spencer and probably bat sixth.
With plans to buy up to 4,100 IARs to complement and partially replace its 10,000 M249s (of which 8,000 will remain in service) held at platoon level, it has acquired 450 of the Heckler & Koch HK416 based weapons for testing.
Joyce, acquired from Tampa Bay, has been a platoon player for most of his seven-year career, with a.261 average,.356 on-base percentage and.463 slugging percentage in 1,859 at-bats against right-handers but a.189/.258/.316 slash line in 323 at-bats against left-handers.
Starter Yovani Gallardo was dealt for prospects, left-handed platoon first baseman Adam Lind was acquired from Toronto and left-handed middle relieve Neal Cotts was signed.
With Curtis Granderson out until May, it appears Boesch will be a platoon corner outfielder with the recently acquired Ben Francisco, who bats right-handed.
Oakland acquired him before the 2014 season to fill a similar platoon role, and he had the worst offensive season of his career.
Do you move Heyward to center, thereby sitting down the intended platoon combo of defensive wizard Albert Almora Jr. and newly acquired Jon Jay?
Matt Joyce, a 2011 All-Star acquired from the Rays, hopes to shed his reputation as a platoon player, and it appears the Angels will give him that chance.
He is expected to bat lower in the order as part of a left-field platoon for the Blue Jays, who earlier this week acquired slugger Troy Tulowitzki and Price.
With a platoon in right and the rookie Nick Johnson batting.211 as the designated hitter, it would be no surprise if the Yankees acquired another hitter.
