g$$
04-02-2007, 04:19 PM
Just heard on the radio that Adam Everett is hitting in the #2 hole tonight. Garner said it is something he wants to try to balance the order & it is just against lefties for now (Zach Duke from near Waco is pitching for the Pirates tonight).
I understand that reasoning, but Everett has a MLB job because of his glove. He is a very good bunter & can hit behind runners, but I don't want him batting any more times than he has to in a game. I think Gar will use Mark Loretta off the bench in late game ABs if needed in this spot, but that is a defensive downgrade & I like Loretta a lot (better 2B at this point in career, but a proven .300 hitter).
Here's what I think:
1. Chris Burke better pick it up after horrible Spring or super prospect Hunter Pence will be in Houston soon (Burke is hitting 7th after they said all along he would hit in #2 hole).
2. Gar is trying to avoid the black hole at the bottom of Everett, Ausmus, pitcher...
3. Gar hopes Everett will see more fastballs hitting in front of Berkman, Lee, & Ensberg.
I think it is just an early season experiment & will likely change soon. I guess it is worth a try, but your top 5 in the order usually get 1 more AB per game. Everett does not deserve any more than required! Don't like Wandy in rotation either, but that is another story for another day (& Lane on team).
Tonight's order:
1. Biggio 2B
2. Everett SS
3. Berkman 1B
4. Lee LF
5. Ensberg 3B
6. Scott RF
7. Burke CF
8. Ausmus C
9. Oswalt P
I understand that reasoning, but Everett has a MLB job because of his glove. He is a very good bunter & can hit behind runners, but I don't want him batting any more times than he has to in a game. I think Gar will use Mark Loretta off the bench in late game ABs if needed in this spot, but that is a defensive downgrade & I like Loretta a lot (better 2B at this point in career, but a proven .300 hitter).
Here's what I think:
1. Chris Burke better pick it up after horrible Spring or super prospect Hunter Pence will be in Houston soon (Burke is hitting 7th after they said all along he would hit in #2 hole).
2. Gar is trying to avoid the black hole at the bottom of Everett, Ausmus, pitcher...
3. Gar hopes Everett will see more fastballs hitting in front of Berkman, Lee, & Ensberg.
I think it is just an early season experiment & will likely change soon. I guess it is worth a try, but your top 5 in the order usually get 1 more AB per game. Everett does not deserve any more than required! Don't like Wandy in rotation either, but that is another story for another day (& Lane on team).
Tonight's order:
1. Biggio 2B
2. Everett SS
3. Berkman 1B
4. Lee LF
5. Ensberg 3B
6. Scott RF
7. Burke CF
8. Ausmus C
9. Oswalt P