Posted September 11, 200519 yr PHILADELPHIA -- Sliding down to seventh in the lineup has actually raised Juan Pierre's batting average. Not that the Marlins swift center fielder doesn't have an impressive track record as a leadoff hitter, but his production has picked up the past four games while stationed lower in the order. In his last four games batting seventh, Pierre is 8-for-18, including five RBIs over the past two games. "I'm just getting hits," Pierre said, not able to pinpoint exactly why. "When a guy gets on base, I'm a little more aggressive." Marlins hitting coach Bill Robinson has a theory on why Pierre is producing. "He's always had a good September," Robinson said. For the month, Pierre is batting .314, and for his career, he has hit .343 in September. In 2004, Pierre enjoyed a stellar September, collecting 43 hits while batting .352. "I like it the way it is now," manager Jack McKeon said of the lineup. "Juan is handling it now, and he's knocking in runs." How long Pierre remains batting seventh depends on how the team is going. Luis Castillo, batting .300, has moved to the leadoff spot, the place he excelled for so many years before the Marlins acquired Pierre in a trade with the Rockies after the 2002 season. When it comes to where batters are in the lineup, McKeon quotes Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. "La Russa says, How you are performing will determine how you're hitting in the lineup,'" McKeon said.
September 11, 200519 yr He should stay there. It's particularly nice to see JP hitting with RISP. He is getting hot at just the right time.
September 11, 200519 yr Jack finally decided to start managing. This really isn't a demotion for Pierre with the way he's playing.
September 11, 200519 yr he should stay there...look how productive our lineup has been since jp moved to the 7 hole
September 11, 200519 yr Author Let's not forget that we tried this exact same thing earlier in the season and it failed miserably.
September 11, 200519 yr We did? When was this? Certainly it couldn't have been the fault of Pierre (.375/.817 from the 7th spot this year) or the replacement leadoff hitter as they have a higher avg, obp and ops from the spot than JP has had.
September 11, 200519 yr hes been doing rlly good in the 7 spot i expect him to stay their the rest of the year to give our lineup a boost~
September 11, 200519 yr he has a 435 average with runners in scoring position. Or something ridiculous like that and it shows. He's been driving in runs en masse from the 7 hole.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.