****7/2 Royals @ Jays Game Thread****

[mr. tegu]

Originally Posted by gblowfish

I think they should leave Alex leading off, he seems most comfortable there. I'd also leave Esobar at 8 or 9, he seems more comfortable in the bottom third, and that gives us at least a chance to have somebody on when the order turns over. Since Perez and Cain have been out, our #7 and #9 have been weak -Humberto, Dyson, etc etc etc. Having Esky in the final third gives that part of the lineup some punch. We can move him up to maybe a number two hitter next season. Let's let him continue to learn where he is, he's still young.

I don't mind having Escobar try second in the lineup for a week or so to see how he does. He is hitting well right now so if can't succeed there now then he may never and we will at least then know the answer, which is he is best in the 9th spot. If Cain could ever be healthy he is a more natural 2nd guy anyways so then we wouldn't have to worry about filling that spot nearly as bad as we do right now.

Whoever our 2nd basemen is should be batting 8th because none of them are good enough for the top. And actually a guy like Getz is a good 8th hitter because he can bunt good to set up the top of the order (which includes Escobar after the first time through) and he has decent speed. He basically handles the bat pretty well which is what you need in that spot. You just can't have all the strikeouts and worthless ABs we have been getting from the 8th spot all year from Pena/Q, Dyson, Burgeouis, or Gio.

My ideal lineup:

Gordon
Cain
Hosmer/Moose
Butler
Moose/Hosmer
Myers
Perez
Whoever is at 2nd
Escobar