Joe Maddon hints at lineup shuffling after Angels’ failed trade for Joc Pederson
Joe Maddon may have to get a little creative to start his first season as manager of the Los Angeles Angels.
Speaking with reporters this weekend on the eve of the team’s first full-squad workout, Maddon hinted at some tinkering of their lineup, perhaps featuring Tommy La Stella at second base and David Fletcher in the outfield.
“Obviously you want to get Tommy out there as often as you can against righties,” said Maddon, per Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register. “The challenge is I like Fletcher on the field as much possible. The fact that David is versatile to play different positions is going to matter … [Fletcher] could grab some games in the outfield too.”
Maddon’s remarks come just days after the Angels’ failed trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers that would have netted them outfielder Joc Pederson (and pitcher Ross Stripling). The proposed deal would have cleared up a bit of the team’s infield logjam by sending out Luis Rengifo as well.
The Angels signed All-Star Anthony Rendon this offseason, locking him in as their everyday third baseman. With Justin Upton and Mike Trout also firmly entrenched in left and center field respectively, having Fletcher split time in right with Brian Goodwin and sticking La Stella at second is the solution that seems to make the most sense.
With other uncertainties in the lineup to address too, there may be some trial and error involved with the start of the 2020 campaign for the Halos.
