I'm okay with batting Ryan 2nd as long as he doesn't hit .250. Hitting Colby there takes away his speed if he's on first. He can't steal. Even if he steals the base they just walk Pujols. Taking the bat out of Pujols hand for any reason is bad baseball. I'm sure Tony's reason for Rasmus 5th is to break up the 3 RH power hitters in a row. guess that makes sense.
La Russa revealed his probable lineup for today’s 12:10 p.m. game at Great American Ball Park:
1. Skip Schumaker, 2B
2. Brendan Ryan, SS
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Matt Holliday, LF
5. Colby Rasmus, CF
6. Ryan Ludwick, RF
7. Yadier Molina, C
8. David Freese, 3B
9. Chris Carpenter, RHP