With Delgado out the past week or so, Jack had an easy decision. Conine at first. But, I admire Jack for putting Niner in the 3-slot and staying there with him.

Niner's hitting about 300, playing good defense and doing some clutch hitting.

He drove in our only two runs today.

Thanks Jack for not experimenting with Delgado's 3 hole.

Thanks Jack for not experimenting with Delgado's 3 hole.

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Maybe it's just me, but that just sounds so wrong on so many levels. :lol

Thanks Jack for not experimenting with Delgado's 3 hole.

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Maybe it's just me, but that just sounds so wrong on so many levels. :lol

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:lol

Good grief that's hilarious.

I heard Eddie K the other day call putting Conine in the 3-hole "not the most intelligent move in the world."

 

Nice to see a Jack-hater give props where props are due. So, uh, props.

It's a typical move by a traditional manager. Supposedly it's supposed to keep all the players comfortable which I don't understand because every position in the lineup is impacted by that one small change. The hitters immediately around the replaced player, and then the hitters around them and so on. One minor substitution changes the whole dynamic of an offense.

 

Conine's a good hitter though and capable of playing like Pudge did out of the 3-hole in 2003.

I believe in Steve!

 

In all seriousness, I'm guessing the move was done to show some confidence that Conine would be able to pick up the slack in Delgado's absence. He's certainly been able to produce in a big spot in the order, and has shown he's still a solid everyday hitter. Conine's production is looming large now in the light of Lo Duca and Enc being out, Lowell slumping, and nobody really sure when Carlos is coming back.

Conine was originally hitting 4rd just to take Delgado's spot. This is no different than Easley hitting 2nd for Luis and then 8th for Alex. It's just that it has worked out well and now McKeon is getting props for sticking with it.