Point taken, but I think the leadoff expectations are offset by the better pitches he'll see there. I don't believe he'll have an easy time hitting 7th in front of swing at every Miguel.

Point taken, but I think the leadoff expectations are offset by the better pitches he'll see there. I don't believe he'll have an easy time hitting 7th in front of swing at every Miguel.

 

And I agree with that too, but if he's as patient as he's shown in the past, batting 6 or 7 won't affect his true skill-set.

 

The 20/20 player we're expecting probably only comes in front of Miggy though, so whatever he does when he comes back (unless he's thrust into the 2-hole) will likely be temporary.

Why not bat Willingham second (at least for now)?

Because he's the best hitter on the team with RISP.

 

Could hit Ross second. He'd be killer getting pumped fastballs in front of Miguelito.

Good observation. But I don't see how hitting him any higher would make the offense any worse off, considering he and Uggla both have had equal AB totals with RISP.

 

Nothing is wrong with how Fredi is playing Willingham right now. Uggla needs to be dropped, no question, but moving Josh up is not the solution. Unfortunately, we don't have many real workable options beyond that. At this point, hoping Uggla regains his prime '06 form hitting behind Hanley is probably best for the team.

I still think Ross does well in the role as a temporary stop gap

Maybe not, but in a young season (33 AB vsR) he's put together 5 XBH, with one of them being a homer. I'll take someone who is going to be a high slugging percentage guy in a role where he'll get a premium amount of power pitches to belt.

Maybe not, but in a young season (33 AB vsR) he's put together 5 XBH, with one of them being a homer. I'll take someone who is going to be a high slugging percentage guy in a role where he'll get a premium amount of power pitches to belt.

so why not let Borchard have those at bats then? He is better vs righties this season and in his career

I really don't like Borchard for whatever reason. Didn't even bother looking up his stats to tell you the truth.

I really don't like Borchard for whatever reason. Didn't even bother looking up his stats to tell you the truth.

 

I am with you here. Borchard has been at his best at the plate this season when he has stood there like a statue.

I really don't like Borchard for whatever reason. Didn't even bother looking up his stats to tell you the truth.

 

I am with you here. Borchard has been at his best at the plate this season when he has stood there like a statue.

well vs righties, he is hitting .259/.386/.448 this year

I really don't like Borchard for whatever reason. Didn't even bother looking up his stats to tell you the truth.

 

I am with you here. Borchard has been at his best at the plate this season when he has stood there like a statue.

well vs righties, he is hitting .259/.386/.448 this year

 

Don't confuse people with facts!

 

Uggla has a nose to toes strike zone right now, and should get a day off right before an off day. Let him calm down.

 

Once the health issues are fixed, this is going to be a fearsome team!

I really don't like Borchard for whatever reason. Didn't even bother looking up his stats to tell you the truth.

 

I am with you here. Borchard has been at his best at the plate this season when he has stood there like a statue.well vs righties, he is hitting .259/.386/.448 this yearLooks like all of his splits favor Borchard against righties. I wouldn't mind doing that and then slotting Ross in there against lefties.

 

Maybe we could do Olivo in the spot as well, since we're tying to capitalize on the fastballs.

Id rather hit Amezega 2nd than any of those guys mentioned in this thread. Ross? yikes. Hammer isnt a bad idea....all this is moot as well stick with Uggla until Hermida returns and proves he belongs #2

It just wont happen because he's one of our best power hitters.

 

And if not Olivo...who? Treanor is clearly worse with the bat. I am interested to see Baker get a shot at some point.

Yeah, I'm not getting the logic here. I don't know if people here (including myself) are overthinking or what. Ross isn't likely to hit for high OBP unless versus LHP and I don't want to see Olivo in the lineup on a daily basis, let alone in the 2 hole. He is the least patient hitter on the team.

 

While I think Hermida should get consideration at some point, I think of all of the players currently on the roster, Willingham is the best option. He hits for high OBP, hits well with RISP so far this season he will have equal opportunity, and he is actually a good hitter whose ABs you would want to maximize.

 

The way Cabrera and Jacobs have been playing, Uggla's deficiencies (failure to get on base) have perhaps been limiting the offense's real potential. Uggla has been showing that he can SLG well, so hitting behind Jacobs and Cabrera makes more sense.

 

The more I think about it, the more I like Willingham batting second (at least until Hermida comes back).

 

Willy doesn't go the other way enough to be an effective 2-hole hitter. I like him a lot where he is.

 

FWIW, the only spot in the lineup to lead off more innings over the course of a season than the leadoff spot is the 5-hole.

I'm just kinda throwing out options for who can take the slot in the 2 until Hermida comes back. Since it's a temporary thing, I wouldn't be against trying a combo of Borchard/Ross there.

 

I'm not sold on Amezaga being an effective starter, especially not at home.

One thing I think Hammer brings to the table (or plate) is his disipline. He does not have a reputation for chasing bad pitches. He has a great eye and doesn't seem to mind 'taking on for the team'.

That being said, I think he has the most to offer following Cabrera. Miggy benefits from that 'protection'.

Hammer has really had a nice string lately. It is good to see his AVG .290-.295