Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
It was a disaster early in the year, when Yost moved him in a panic as Hosmer started the season slow.
He was much better when moved into that spot later in the year.
Overall, his OPS was about 30 points lower out of the 3 spot than out of the leadoff spot last year.
I actually wouldn't mind seeing them put Cain in the leadoff slot and hitting Gordon 3rd, though it seems like Gordon has still found plenty of RBI opportunities hitting 1st.
I like Cain's approach quite a bit. He sees pitches and walks at least at a league-average rate.
For that matter, Hosmer's approach this year has been much better. He's quieter in the box and still showing good strike zone judgment (Current 17 percent walk rate). We're seeing a lot fewer of the weak swings, waving at a breaking pitch down and away.
Almost makes me wonder if it might be worth it to try Hosmer in the 2 hole, in front of Gordon and Butler.
Cain
Hosmer
Gordon
Butler
Perez
Moustakas
Francoeur
Getz
Escobar
That would put 4 guys who see a lot of pitches at the top of the lineup. Not-traditional - especially in L/R spacing - but I like it.
I'm much more of a Tony La Russa disciple when it comes to the batting order... would prefer having a guy with some thump hitting in the two spot, rather than a slap hitter trying to punch the ball to the right side.
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I know you are wanting to use Escobar to be on for the top of the order, but I'd rather see him batting ahead of Frenchy and Moose at this point. He might drive in some more runs then those guys.