While Rapid City’s coaches are adamant that a platoon at 1B is the correct strategy, fans and upper management aren’t quite as confident. Up to this point in the season, the Outlaws have been starting left-handed Don Vogel against right-handed hurlers and right-handed Patrick Anthony against southpaws. This configuration been reaping rewards for the Giamatti League’s 2nd most potent offense, but management is beginning to wonder how long Vogel will accept this platoon role.

Vogel has been extremely effective versus right-handers, hitting .345/.431/.655 with 4 homeruns and 13 batted in in 55 at bats. While Vogel has been limited to just 10 at bats against lefties, he does have five hits, including one double. Anthony has been a very good filling in for Vogel when a left-hander is on the mound, posting a stellar line of .381/.409/.714 with 2 homeruns and 7 RBI in 21 at bats.

“I’m well aware that I don’t hit as well against lefties as I do righties,” admits Vogel, “But all things considered, I probably hit them well enough to be in there no matter who is on the mound. Still, I understand the logic behind it and it is nice to get a day off every once in a while.”

“I think we both understand what kind of predicament this is for management,” quipped Anthony, “Right now, I’m just happy to not only be getting some playing time, but to be able to produce solid numbers from this role. It’s not easy to get a start and see the ball well after sitting on the bench for a few days.”

When asked about the situation, GM PotatoPeeler was quoted as saying, “For now, I think we’re gonna keep things the way they are. This offense is scoring a lot of runs right now and I’d hate to start tinkering with that. I mean, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?”.

It will be interesting to see how this situation plays out over the coming months. The general consensus among serious fans in Rapid City is that Anthony will keep seeing action if he continues swinging a hot bat. Should he happen to falter, Vogel is more than capable of playing every day. And with a contract that’s paying him over $14 million per season, there’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be capable.