OAKLAND -- Vladimir Guerrero started at designated hitter Saturday afternoon, and the way he's played in the outfield this season, it causes one to wonder if his future is solely as an offensive player.
Guerrero committed his 11th error Friday night, when he let a deep drive into the right-field corner by Jay Payton hit the heel of his glove and bounce out for two bases.
It is not a career high for Guerrero this season; that would be the 19 errors he made in 1999 while playing on the artificial turf of Montreal. But he seems to be making more errors of the mental variety.
In Anaheim against the White Sox last week, Guerrero misread a drive by A.J. Pierzynski that sailed over his head for a double. In June, Guerrero booted a pop fly by Ronnie Belliard in Cleveland that helped fuel an eight-run frame for the Indians. And in April, Guerrero dropped a ball in Minneapolis that led to a four-run outburst by the Twins.
Despite his play in the field this season that includes as many as five dropped fly balls, the Angels do not consider Guerrero a candidate to become a full-time designated hitter and chalk his sub-standard play to "cranky knees."
"A lot of it is explainable. He has always had the great arm that will go over the cutoff man's head at times. As far as some of the balls that he lost or hasn't gotten to, that has a lot to do with his health," manager Mike Scioscia said, adding that his star doesn't need surgery. "If you're not running with the proper gait, the ball will tend to jump on you. He has played banged up."
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim : News : Los Angeles Angels News
Notes: Guerrero will stay in outfield
Notes: Guerrero will stay in outfield
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