August 12, 2006
WHY TERRY?:
Some obvious questions:
(1) Why have Youkilis bat fifth instead of leadoff when his primary skill is on-base %?
(2) Why not use Pena to protect Manny? (or even flip Manny & Ortiz so you go right/left/right?)
(3) Why not bat Coco lower down in the line-up, where he's had the most success this year?
(1) I'd keep Coco lead-off. His obp in Aug is over .350 and I believe he's been hitting lead-off the whole time. The problem with hitting him lower down is his slugging pct is downright anemic. Just let him get on base and his speed will be helpful scoring on singles and doubles by the boppers behind him.
(2) Youk 2nd b/c of his obp.
(3) Then Manny, then Papi, and then WilyMo. Or Papi/Manny since Manny's more used to hitting 4th. Probably doesn't really matter since Manny hits righties much better than lefties anyway.
Loretta's starting to bounce back after a dreadful July, but I don't think he warrants a place high in the order.
Posted by: Jim in Chicago at August 12, 2006 7:13 PMCoco should be in the bottom 3rd; stealing there could be useful to squeeze a run out of the weak hitting at the bottom. Risking getting thrown out at second with Ortiz and Ramirez behind you is idiocy.
I don't think Terry trusts Pena yet (which is also the answer to question 1; with Varitek out, he needs *something* to protect Manny...)
Posted by: Mike Earl at August 12, 2006 8:11 PMMike -- he doesn't have to steal for his speed to be somewhat useful.
The problem for the Sawx is unless Loretta turns his season on around they don't really have anyone for the number 2 hole, which is why I say plug Youk in at number two, where he can get on base ahead of the boppers, and let Coc, who's as useful/useless as anyone else in the lineup first.
Posted by: Jim in Chicago at August 12, 2006 9:01 PM