Lou's First Lineup
by bren on Feb 19, 2009 8:29 PM CST
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PrintSure many of you have seen this buy now, but
Lou's early 2009 lineup is as follows:
Soriano
Miles
Lee
Bradley
Ramirez
Fukudome
Soto
Theriot
Pitcher
"That seems like a real nice lineup to me," Piniella said. "Left, right, left, right -- we have some balance, we have some speed. You can add [Micah] Hoffpauir as one of those left-handed bats."
So, Soriano stays at the top of the order?
"That hasn't changed," Piniella said. "There are going to be times when he's not in the lineup, so basically we have to figure out who is going to be that guy, and how you do it is play around with it in Spring Training."
Fukudome ahead of Soto, Lee remains in the three hole and Miles over Fontenot, the second century begins.
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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Why are we only batting 8 men?
Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.
Theriot's so scrappy...
…that they just assume he’s going to scrap his way on base, so they just put him on first to save the pitchers’ arms.
haha, my bad
Ill fix that
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
new NL Rule
Cubs can only have 8 men on the feild at any time. Now the AL will add 10 players and a DH because the Yankees have all the cash.
More importantly
WHY IS HE STARTING OVER LBR?
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 19, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions
thats the big question
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I want it answered
I really hope Miles can prove me wrong but the think the Cubs are better off with Fonty at second. And on Soriano batting 1st, I’m actually very happy to see it.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 19, 2009 8:50 PM CST up reply actions
I know LBR has had trouble with lefty pitching before
but his splits from last year were great. Now I realize it was A SMALL SAMPLE SIZE, but still. It seems like it should be “little Fontenot”’s spot to lose… Plus the difference in slugging b/t him and Miles is ginormous.
http://thegettinplace.blogspot.com/
As opposed to Miles,
who struggles against all pitchers?
I can only hope that this is short-lived...
Putting Fontenot in the #2 spot actually makes some sense. Putting Miles in the everyday lineup at all makes very little sense. He’s not a good hitter at all, his 2008 notwithstanding.
Theriot should be second
And Miles IS a good hitter. He’s always kept a a good average. Fonty would have a bit lower average but the little man has power too. You also go with the younger starter in Fonty.
"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 19, 2009 9:03 PM CST up reply actions
You have a definition of "good hitter" that I don't understand.
His career .289/.329/.364 line is an utter horror show. The average catcher bats better than Aaron Miles.
I'm going to disagree with the resident sabermagician on this one
With all due respect (and I am sincere on that point because you are quite astute on many things), Aaron Miles is not a bad hitter. Looking at his lifetime numbers is disingenous. I think you know that too. I’m not saying Miles is somebody to get excited about, but I am saying he can hit. He is also a good handler of the bat.
Why is looking at Miles's career stats disingenuous?
In every season but his last, Miles has had an OBP below .330 (i.e., not good) and an OPS below .700 (i.e., bad). And it’s not like there was a lot of inconsistency – he was consistently bad.
Even last year, when his singles rate was sky high, his OBP was still only .355 and his OPS was still only .753. So in his best season (which was far and away better than his career norms) he was still only mediocre.
So why would you argue that he’s not a bad hitter?
It's simple really.
BLou can’t be bothered with facts. Everybody knows that the best way to evaluate a ballplayer is on pure observation. I mean, the man can handle the bat! That right there tells you he’s a good hitter.
The above statement brought to you by sarcasm. Bringing you confusion for a lifetime.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
Facts . . .
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Feb 20, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions
I think the stat some people look to is
that he’s a career .289 hitter.
http://thegettinplace.blogspot.com/
And that is the problem...
because if you look only at AVG, you overlook the fact that (1) Miles doesn’t get walks and (2) Miles doesn’t get extra-base hits.
by SouthernCub on Feb 20, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions
+10
IMHO, Miles cannot be called a good hitter. The reason Lou is giving him so much rope is, quite simply, because he’s a switch hitter (i.e., can bat lefty).
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
Definitely.
http://thegettinplace.blogspot.com/
Plus if Miles starts
then who is the super sub? I suppose they could always bring in Fontenot and shift Miles elsewhere, but that could create problems if any injuries arise.
I really hope this isnt the lineup come April
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Miles starting doesn't change the fact that he's the super sub...
just like DeRosa was the super sub but started most of the games.
The only problem I have with Miles starting is that he’s a pretty bad offensive player, and Fontenot is a better offensive player.
This is fairly classic Lou lineup construction....
Last year he put the two lowest OBPs in the top two spots in the lineup.
I’m not going to get bent out of shape about Miles-Fontenot, because if the difference is as big as we think it is, Lou will figure that out soon and if it’s not, well, at least there are more leftys, right?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Lets hope he will
that link you post would indicate he wont soon realize that. Im fine with Soriano leading off, but Fontenot projects to be more valuable than Miles this year in many models.
Hmm, 100 RBIs out of the leadoff last year, I wouldnt have imagined that
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
"You can add Hoffpauir"
What do you guys make of this? Is the OF battle more/different than Reed/Joey/Kosuke, but with Bradley possibly in CF and Micah in the mix for RF?
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Again, this is a case of Lou sending smoke signals
There is no way Micah Hoffpauir makes this ballclub. And even if he managed to do so for a couple weeks while the Cubs perhaps carry only 11 pitchers for awhile, there is no chance he ever sees the outfield.
I think there's a good chance you're right here
but I’m wondering how much of that opinion is based on my disbelief in Micah’s value to the club.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Well...
A. I think the Cubs will acquire a “significant” utility infielder option prior to breaking camp in Mesa. Who that is I have no idea. Nomar Garciaparra is doubtful to be the guy because it looks like he will retire as opposed to playing for peanuts and spending 6 months away from Mia Hamm and home in LA.
B. The Cubs have five core outfielders who are locks barring injury or the unforseen. Soriano, Kosuke, Bradley, Johnson, Gathright. Regardless who wins the job in center (and I DO think it is wide open), the beauty of this arrangement is that you have two versatile and good defensive outfielders always on the bench. I see no way Micah Hoffpauir grabs playing time in the outfield under this scenario. You’re not going to throw Hoffpauir and his inability to play the field in left or right when you have two of Johnson, Kosuke and Gathright always sitting on the bench. You’re just not.
I think they'll add someone, too. Lou's comments in the Gordo piece suggest that pretty clearly.
I also hope you’re right about the OF situation, but I wonder if Lou really likes Micah.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
The modus operandi of Sweet Lou is that he says a LOT of things
And a lot of times, what he says doesn’t correlate with what he actually does. He blows a lot of smoke, especially this winter and spring. As stated before, I think he is extra weary of the media and does what he does as coping mechanism.
I agree with that
I’d add that the first lineup of the year isn’t a good guide for what he plans to DO through the regular season.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Very true...
I mean, Piniella isn’t afraid to think out loud about things without actually doing them. And even the thoughts he actually acts upon don’t always last (see moving Soriano down in the lineup two years ago).
I guess we shouldn’t make too much of this hypothetical lineup. I’m guessing Fontenot, Theriot, and Miles will each get between 400 and 500 PA.
It makes sense to let the new guy start in the first lineup -
positive first impressions count. Fontenot is used to the role of coming off the bench. Lee and Sori are used to hitting 3 and 1. There’s plenty of time to change things if Lou has a more fixed idea of where he wants to go with the lineup – and he may not even have that.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
A couple things
Re: Aaron Miles. I said when he was acquired that I thought he would get the bulk of playing time at 2nd base and my opinion was rejected. Well, I continue to think that Miles will play more than Fontenot. I don’t necessarily agree, but that is how I see it playing out.
Re: Leadoff man. Make no mistake, Lou Piniella is going to live and die with Alfonso Soriano as his leadoff man. Lou says a lot of things in the winter and spring, but his actions always speak louder than words. Frankly, Lou has gotten a little goofy on this subject because I seriously doubt he was ever going to switch out Soriano in the top spot.
Re: The third hole. Please Uncle Lou, bat Milton Bradley 3rd and be done with it.
Under the circumstances here is what I would like to see
1. Soriano – LF (Lou is stubborn on this one and it ain’t going to change)
2. Miles – 2nd
3. Bradley – RF (the man can rake, gets on base and I think will compete for 09 batting title)
4. Ramirez – 3rd
5. Lee – 1st
6. Soto – Cat
7. Kosuke / Johnson – CF (though I continue to think CF playing time is wide open proposition)
8. Theriot – SS
Is this versus a RHP?
If so, Lou Piniella would more than likely disagree with you. As he makes clear in the article above, Lou wants to alternate lefties and righties. So the problem with batting Bradley third is, assuming Soriano is in the leadoff spot, the No. 2 batter would be a lefty. Therefore, Milton Bradley would have to bat righty – but he’s not going to want to do that vs. a RHP. Nor should he.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
They're saying
Miles and Fonty will both get 400 PAs each – so equal playing time. I expect that’s probably the initial plan although each will have an opportunity to win or lose more or less playing time.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
And I don't agree
I’m not advocating for Aaron Miles by any stretch. What I am saying is that I continue to believe he will receive distinctly more playing time than Mike Fontenot. I have no skin in this game, it’s just the way I see it playing out.
Here's the question then -
do you see the difference between Fontenot and Miles being roughly 25 points of OBP and 75 pts of SLG (in Fontenot’s favor) – and Lou STILL playing Miles more?
I think Lou’s going to give Miles a shot, but I don’t think Lou particularly believes in Miles as much as Hendry does.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Well...
Keep in mind that Mike Fontenot was very selectively and smartly used by Lou in 2008, to the distinct advantage of his personal stats accumulated.
Do I see much difference in Miles and Fontenot in terms of hitting, getting on base, etc.? Answer is not a whole lot. But I think Lou will defer to the fact that Miles is more battle tested and been there before. Also, Miles has a track record of hitting near the top of the lineup.
Again, I want to emphasize that I am not placing value judgment. It’s just how I see it playing out ever since Miles inked a two year $5 million contract.
The contract is irrelevant...
Piniella had no problem banishing Eyre to the end of the bullpen despite his salary. Piniella had no problem benching Izturis for Theriot despite their differing salaries. If Miles doesn’t perform (and I don’t see him repeating his inflated singles rate from 2008), Piniella won’t hesitate to bench him.
No argument
The point I have been making (unsuccessfully) is that I believe the Cubs intend to play Aaron Miles a lot. I don’t agree or disagree with that strategy.
I think they'll play all three MI a lot...
I think we’ll see each of the three (Theriot, Fontenot, Miles) get between 400-500 PA.
And this is why I'd like to see Maicer Izturis added
so that we play all three less and only the one(s) that deserve to play more will play more.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
That's not going to happen...
The Cubs aren’t going to sign (or trade for) another starting-type MI. Miles was the end of that line.
If they make any more changes, it’ll be to get a backup SS/3B type.
by SouthernCub on Feb 20, 2009 10:02 AM CST up reply actions
I know, I know...
Sigh.
The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.
Assuming Fontenot hits well vs. RHP...
…I think Fontenot will, ultimately, get more playing time at second base – simply because there are more RHP than LHP. Miles may get more playing time overall, however, if he platoons with Fontenot at 2B and does a lot of backup work at SS (or, God forbid, other positions).
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
Personally,
I’d switch Ramirez and Lee. Otherwise I like it.
"It's hard to win 97 games, it's hard to win the division. Our attitude is if you get in every year, you get in most of the time, sooner or later you are going to knock that door down." -- Jim Hendry
I know Im dreaming but
Id really like to see them give Fontenot a shot at leading off. A leadoff hitter gets over 600 AB’s a year. While I know fatigue would be a factor, at the rate he hit last year (9 HR in 243 AB’s) he could hit over 20 HR so you wouldn’t loose to much of that “instant offense” that Soriano provides. His OBP is much better than Soriano as well and with Fonzy’s declining ability to steal bases the fact that Fontenot seldom attempts to steal is negligible. After that however I’m not really sure how you go about putting the lineup together. My humble opinion is some combination of this(and lets remember Lou used 112 different lineups last year not including the pitcher):
1. Fontenot
2. Theriot or CF Platooner
3. Soriano or Lee
4. Bradely
5. Ramirez
6. Lee or Soriano
7. Soto
8. CF Platooner or Theriot
seems crazy to think that a player of geo’s caliber could be batting 7th in this lineup
Fontenot would have to prove...
…he can hang in there well enough against LHP to make this a possibility. His career splits are pretty drastic – .852 OPS vs. RHP compared with .683 OPS vs. LHP.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
Sori at the top
in the past 2 years combined we have a 60% winning percentage with Fonzi at the top of the order. That would give us 98 wins for the season. When he was with Texas he batted 3rd and 5th. He didn’t drive in that many more runs. We think since he hits more than 30 homers he would be more affective in the middle of the order, but that is not the case.
Now when it comes to the playoffs, I think he’ll have to move down in the order like 6 or 7, but for 162 regular season the numbers say to leave him leading off.
by CubFaninStLouis on Feb 20, 2009 7:38 AM CST reply actions
Look at his splits
You are right., he is much better in the leadoff spot than any other spot. But if he plays another series like he did the last two Octobers, he better hope his team picks him up.
by dr stabbingworth on Feb 20, 2009 8:20 AM CST up reply actions
His splits are a little skewed, though, aren't they?
I mean, he’s gotten almost 3,300 PAs in the leadoff spot. The next closest is the three-hole where he’s gotten only 688.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
Yes
After what we have been thru the past 2 years we have too.
by CubFaninStLouis on Feb 20, 2009 9:09 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not sure that makes the most sense...
I’d argue that you do the overhaul in the offseason, and then stick with those adjustments from March through (hopefully) October.
Changing things up for the playoffs is a panic move.
Well they havent really tried him anywhere else
so theres no telling what the record would be if he hit 4th/5th, no one has had the cajones to make that move
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
I have to admit...
…after last October, this is precisely what I wanted to advocate, too. I can live with Soriano in the lead off spot during the long, 162-game regular season. But, somehow, in the must shorter postseason, where the pressure is so much greater and opposing pitchers are trying so much harder, having him in the leadoff spot seems like more of a weakness.
I understand that changing the lineup drastically in the postseason is counterintuitive. And I understand it may give the appearance of panicking. But I still can’t help feeling like, during the postseason (assuming they make it there), the Cubs need someone in the leadoff spot who can drastically slow down the game in the playoffs. If Kosuke can rebound, I think he’d be the go-to guy.
(Disclaimer: I’m in no way predicting this is actually going to happen. It’s more of an emotional opinion than anything.)
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
It would be interesting to see Sori
get some better lineup protection than Aaron Miles. Still, I think his approach, for whatever reason, makes him produce best leading off.
http://thegettinplace.blogspot.com/
I saw this article this morning...
…and I can live with that lineup. Am I crazy seeing Miles in the two-hole? Hell no. I’d rather see Fontenot there, and I pray that’s exactly what we’ll see vs. RHP. There’s no reason for Miles to be starting against a RHP.
Now, I could see starting Miles against a LHP, because, presumably, this right-lefty thing will be less important and Miles can bat righty. Then, if/when the opposing team brings a right-handed reliever into the game, both Miles and Bradley can turn around and hit lefty.
And, FWIW, I gather that Miles is a decent contact hitter. So, assuming Soriano’s legs stay healthy, Lou can perhaps put on more hit-and-runs earlier in the season (when it’s colder) and Alfonso can start running more later on when it’s warmer. Desperate thoughts? Perhaps.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
If we're going to hit and run
why not hit Theriot in the two-hole and Miles 8? All Theriot does is hit the ball to the right side, which, theoretically, is ideal for the hit-and-run.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
Did I say "we're"
good grief. That’s wrong. If the Cubs are going to hit-and-run…
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
It's ok.
I do that all the time. Meaning either that I’m seriously deluded, or I just have a healthy sense of comraderie with a bunch of people I’ve never met :) On the other hand, childhood dreams are persistent, so I’m just waiting for the call. :)
by CubsWin!Oregon on Feb 20, 2009 1:45 PM CST up reply actions
Ha, I try to avoid the vainglorious "we," too.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
Because Lou wants to alternate righties and lefties.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
Ah yes, the alternating lefty-righty game.
Gets me all the time.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
this is horrible on 2 accounts
1) Miles near the top of the order with his career .330 obp
2) Ramirez batting 5th, he’ll get 40-50 less PA’s than DLee because of this…. and we should want our best hitters getting MORE PA’s in run producing spots than less
the best lineup out there i believe is:
Soriano
Lee
Bradley
Ramirez
Soto
Fontenot
Fukudome
Theriot
it gets our best hitters the most PA’s AND creates table setters at the bottom (Theriot, Fuku) of the lineup for the power hitters at the top (Soriano) and table setters at the top (lee, Bradley) for power directly beneath it (Rami, Soto)
by DartmouthCubsFan on Feb 20, 2009 4:12 PM CST reply actions
Well, I definitely like the punch of that lineup...
…but Lou wants to alternate righties and lefties, thus forcing either LBR or Dome (in that scenario) up to the top and Bradley to the four-hole. I would like to see Aramis hit third, though.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
I wouldn't read too much...
…into what lineups Lou puts together at this point. ST is not always a good predictor of what will happen in the regular season, and Lou is one who will take 30-40 games in before he has a good feel for what he has in 09.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
And since there are...
… 39 ST games this year — which is 7-8 more than usual — expect to see all kinds of wacky lineup combinations. That’s exactly what ST is for.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Indeed...
…and when I said 30-40 games in, I actually meant the regular season.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
What's interesting about that is...
… that Lou didn’t give Felix Pie 30-40 games last year before he made a decision about him.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
You are correct...
…and it really comes down to one thing; Piniella had seen enouph to have formed a solid opinion on him. We can agree/disagree with this forever, but if you don’t allow an experienced manager to make these calls, you shouldn’t have hired him in the first place.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I still think that Fontenot will ultimately be the 2B
Soriano
Fontenot
Lee
Bradley
Ramirez
Soto
Fukudome
Theriot
Makes it RH-LH-RH-LH-RH-RH-LH-RH, which is pretty even…
#34: You'll be missed!
Yep, that works for me.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
you know if that lineup can actually live up to its hype
swap Fukudome and Fontenot, that could be a hell of an offense there. Many IFs though..
#34: You'll be missed!
Lee at 5
I really wish we could see your lineup, but with Lee and Ramirez swapped. It gives Aramis more PAs, and keep’s Lou’s lefty/righty fetish alive.
depending on how he performs early in the season, we could very well see Soto batting 3rd..
#34: You'll be missed!
That's very true
However, it doesn’t really solve the problem of taking away PAs from arguably your best hitter in Ramirez.
yeah, I'm hoping that this is his breakout season
you know 40+ HR and what not.
#34: You'll be missed!
I think
Lou will have to eventually choose between the lefty/righty obsession and giving your best hitters the most opportunity. I’m afraid I already know what he will choose. If only Lee could lead off, that would potentially satisfy both sides of the equation….
Couple things
1. i think his comments about Micah say more about his belief in kosuke than anything. I am going to go out on a limb here and say if Kosuke doesnt have a good 15 spring games/WBC that he might be the defensive replacement and we could see Bradley in center. I might be crzy but if we start to see Bradley in center in ST i think that will be a huge sign. (I dont want to hear the comments about he cant play center. He can its just a question if he stays healthy. Lou might be thinking a lineup of
Soriano
Miles Fontenot
Lee
Milton
Rammy
Micah
Soto
Terrible defensive SS..
If i am wrong and lous lineup is correct then it is probably worse than mine casue LBR should start at second and Dome should not get more ABS then soto..
We could argue abou lineup construction all day long but the best lineup would probably be.
Bradley
Rammy
Soto
Soriano
Lee
Fontenot
Dome
Theriot
(Based on you want your best hitters geting the most AB’s Hell when Zambrano pitches i would bat him 8th or maybe even seventh.)
Soriano
LBR
Lee
Bradley
Rammy
Soto
Z
Dome
Theriot
Also i got a baseball magazine and quite confident in our pitching/hitting for this year but LBR needs to be given a chance and i am sure that he will exceed epectation and start after spring.
"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"
Lou probably wouldn't want to risk Bradley's legs right off the bat...
…playing him in centerfield.
"You've got to earn winning your division. We won more games than anybody in the National League last year, and we're going to have a target on our back, so we've got to be ready.'' - Lou Piniella, 2/17/09
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