LA Angels' Mike Napoli Versus Jeff Mathis: Platoon Not Catching On

Let’s see, Jeff Mathis is a self proclaimed “automatic out”, hitting below the Mendoza line with minimal power. Mike Napoli has 13 homers, “as much raw power as anyone in the league” according to his manager, and is hitting a solid .285—not to mention his walk off double last night against the Twins. Why are they platooning again? Oh...right, Mathis is a slightly better signal caller, emphasis on the slightly. He’s no Johnny Bench back there. He’s an above average catcher who calls a good game. But he can’t hit. The guy was a career .276 hitter in the MINOR leagues, it wasn’t likely to get better in the big league. And while Napoli might not be Mathis’ equal behind the plate, he’s no stiff. You don’t lose much with the glove with Nap, but oh man do you lose with the bat with Mathis. Yes, Scioscia has used Nap as a DH to keep his bat in the line-up, but when Vladdy returns, DH is his. Which means Mathis nee...