I think there is a very easy way for Shildt to explain to Pivetta why he shouldnt start in September at Coors. The data is undeniable, and it's not a knock on Pivetta, it's just physics. Heres to hoping everyone can do what's best for the team, instead of capitulating to the size of the player's paycheck. All things considered it was a great road trip! I got to be in the stands when Tatis stole home in Pittsburgh, and also sat through the rain for their comeback against the Yanks on Monday. It was a blast! Love this team, and so stoked to see Merrill back in CF.
I’d like to get your thoughts on moving Merrill to 2nd in the order, Arraez to 4th. I’d like to see it because it might get Merrill a couple extra at bats plus Arraez is more likely to come up with a runner on base at 4.
Was mulling that same question over the weekend. It’s a novel lineup construction. Haven’t been able to form a strong opinion. More ABs for Merrill is appealing. More speed at the top of the lineup too. A lot less slug from cleanup is a hard trade off to evaluate though.
Yeah, certainly a trade-off, like most decisions. It would be a bit unconventional for sure but I look at what the Dodgers do. Sure they have Teoscar, Smith, Muncy (conceptually) but their top three hitters are 1-2-3.
But for a team that needs slug, getting more ABs for their top 3 sluggers would be optimal. And having a contact wizard in the 4 spot puts so much pressure on the defense if there are one or two people on base. Tatis or Merril on second forces the defense to minimize shifts vs. Arraez or give up a relatively easy steal of third for instance
It'd be fun to play with Sheets in the 4 spot if we had a strong (or even average) RH DH or RH LF with a little slug to play against tough lefty starters or when opponents bring in a lefty reliever. Really want to get X out of the 4 or 5 slot.
The other issue is we HAVE to start getting some players on base in front of Tatis. If X was hitting like he could, I'd almost consider having Crone 8th or 9th. I know, that's almost heresy but there is so much lost when you have Tatis coming up with two outs and the bases empty. It's really thought provoking to consider putting your worst hitter in 7th or 8th.
I think there is a very easy way for Shildt to explain to Pivetta why he shouldnt start in September at Coors. The data is undeniable, and it's not a knock on Pivetta, it's just physics. Heres to hoping everyone can do what's best for the team, instead of capitulating to the size of the player's paycheck. All things considered it was a great road trip! I got to be in the stands when Tatis stole home in Pittsburgh, and also sat through the rain for their comeback against the Yanks on Monday. It was a blast! Love this team, and so stoked to see Merrill back in CF.
You were at both of those games? That’s amazing!
I’d like to get your thoughts on moving Merrill to 2nd in the order, Arraez to 4th. I’d like to see it because it might get Merrill a couple extra at bats plus Arraez is more likely to come up with a runner on base at 4.
Was mulling that same question over the weekend. It’s a novel lineup construction. Haven’t been able to form a strong opinion. More ABs for Merrill is appealing. More speed at the top of the lineup too. A lot less slug from cleanup is a hard trade off to evaluate though.
Yeah, certainly a trade-off, like most decisions. It would be a bit unconventional for sure but I look at what the Dodgers do. Sure they have Teoscar, Smith, Muncy (conceptually) but their top three hitters are 1-2-3.
But for a team that needs slug, getting more ABs for their top 3 sluggers would be optimal. And having a contact wizard in the 4 spot puts so much pressure on the defense if there are one or two people on base. Tatis or Merril on second forces the defense to minimize shifts vs. Arraez or give up a relatively easy steal of third for instance
It'd be fun to play with Sheets in the 4 spot if we had a strong (or even average) RH DH or RH LF with a little slug to play against tough lefty starters or when opponents bring in a lefty reliever. Really want to get X out of the 4 or 5 slot.
The other issue is we HAVE to start getting some players on base in front of Tatis. If X was hitting like he could, I'd almost consider having Crone 8th or 9th. I know, that's almost heresy but there is so much lost when you have Tatis coming up with two outs and the bases empty. It's really thought provoking to consider putting your worst hitter in 7th or 8th.
Ah baseball...always food for thought.