Leadoff issue settled

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jun 15, 2008 7:57 AM CDT Comment 8 comments

According to Lou Piniella in todays Daily Herald, the leadoff issue is settled.

With left-fielder Alfonso Soriano on the disabled list with a broken left hand, Pinella has gone wuth Eric Patterson, Ryan Theriot, and Johnson as his no 1 hitter three games since. On Saturday Pinella hit bingo with Johnson hitting a three-run homer in the second.

Johnson replies to being in the leadoff role

I think he knows that I'm comfortable in that spot, in the leadoff role. I've hit there from high school all the way up to the big leagues. It's a tough spot to hit in the lineup

But once again Lou leaves me with questions. Will Reed play left field or center every day. Or will he still platoon with Edmonds and when he's not playing center play left?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Sounds like the latter...

... considering he played LF against a tough RHP, Halladay, yesterday.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Jun 15, 2008 8:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Lou see's how the wind is blowing each day and plays the situation

Johnson might get the majority of the time in LF. And he is now looking to rest his regulars as well.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Jun 15, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

leadoff

reed would be my pick leaving theriot where he,s been thriving.patterson i just dont have any enthusiasim for.maybe cause of the corey thing i dont know.hoping the cubs make it through this a.l. jaunt.the rays are as unbeatable at the trop as the cubs are at wrigley..i think we can take them.

by NOMAR on Jun 15, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lou likes to overreact to short-term successes or failures.

The fact is that Johnson shouldn’t be used against RHP. But, whatever.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Jun 15, 2008 1:54 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Agreed.

I like RJ and appreciate the spark he’s brought to this team. But if Lou overuses him (i.e., starts playing him everyday), Johnson’s weaknesses could quickly be exposed. Stick with the Johnson/Jedmonds platoon in center, look for other solutions in left. I can forgive Lou for breaking this paradigm in Toronto because of Johnson’s experience there, but let’s not get carried away.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Jun 15, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ups and Downs...

Overall, I like Reed because he provides solid defense in the outfield. Also, he’s always hustling and appears to be fearless.

The one problem is that his numbers aren’t that great. I’m happy with him anyway

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by cubs199235 on Jun 15, 2008 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Reed

I think RJ should have about 75% of the time out in LF. He’s been a great burst of energy at several low points during the season. Every time the teams stalls a bit, he steps up with a big HR (like yesterday) or a really nice 2-3 hit game with a couple runs and RBI’s. Also he’s sharp with the glove and runs the bases with great intelligence. I wasn’t a huge fan of him when we picked him up, but his hard work ethic and hustle make him a unique and special player. I now think he’s a great fill in player while Soriano recovers.

I also think not only Johnson, but Edmonds would continue to improve his hitting while getting a few extra AB’s in center since Reed will be in Left.

by D-Bone on Jun 15, 2008 11:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm an RJ fan too

agree with D-Bone on what he’s done in the short term. While his weaknesses may be exposed with prolonged playing time….whose isn’t? And who is to say that he can’t overcome some of those weaknesses with 1) additional experience and 2) the confidence that comes with playing for a winning team?

There you go Lee, stick with RJ for awhile and let’s see what he can do.

"ROUS's? Rodents of Unusual Size. Don't worry, they don't exist."
http://margaritagirl11.spaces.live.com/

by iluvryno on Jun 16, 2008 5:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs