Lineup

[MSbravefan]

With the addition of Ankiel, what should the lineup be v. RH and LHP? Assume people are healthy... Also assume Cox is smart enough to start sitting Glaus more or at least move him down in the lineup

RHP
1. Prado 2B
2. Heyward RF
3. Jones 3B (Shouldn't be here, but obvious he isn't moving)
4. McCann C (Best hitter, probably should hit 3rd)
5. Hinske 1B
6. Infante LF (Hits righties better than lefties)
7. Ankiel CF
8. Gonzalez SS
9. Pitcher

LHP
1. Prado 2B
2. Heyward RF
3. Jones 3B
4. McCann C
5. Infante CF
6. Glaus 1B (would put him lower, but doubt Cox would)
7. Diaz LF
8. Gonzalez SS
9. Pitcher

I would consider putting Omar at 2B, Prado at 1B, Diaz in LF and Melky in CF against lefties as Melky is better than Troy at this point

Thoughts?

[alaskabravesfan]

I would consider putting Omar at 2B, Prado at 1B, Diaz in LF and Melky in CF against lefties as Melky is better than Troy at this point.

I think moving Prado to 1B is generally speaking, a terrible idea. Prado is excelling in every way as a 2B. Leave him there. Let Hinske spell Glaus at 1B.

[MSbravefan]

I think moving Prado to 1B is generally speaking, a terrible idea. Prado is excelling in every way as a 2B. Leave him there. Let Hinske spell Glaus at 1B.

I was just saying it was an option once in a while versus lefties

[HomerTheBrave]

i really wish Chipper would ask Cox to flip-flop himself with Heyward in the lineup,Chipper has become a slap hitter who could help in the 2 spot,instead of worrying about driving the ball in RBI situations, and leave that to Jason....he's proven more than able to get the rbi's

Do it Chip!!

[Andy G.]

Yep. Chipper did tell Bobby that. He said Heyward was the only guy on the team (at the time) that was taking a great approach to the plate every at bat and also driving the ball with authority, and that he thinks those are the traits of a #3 hitter. So, it's definitely Bobby's decision to keep him there.

[Braves N Canes]

After watching the games this weekend...here's my thoughts. Obviously it changes when Omar needs to spell someone in the infield. The next 7-10 will be tough because Prado is out and might even be on the DL. But mine are with him in the lineup.

RHP

1. Martin Prado...2B
2. Jason Heyward...RF
3. Brian McCann...C
4. Chipper Jones...3B
5. Troy Glaus...1B
6. Omar Infante...LF
7. Rick Ankiel...CF
8. Alex Gonzalez...SS
9. Pitcher

LHP

1. Martin Prado...2B
2. Omar Infante...CF
3. Brian McCann...C
4. Chipper Jones...3B
5. Troy Glaus...1B
6. Jason Heyward...RF
7. Matt Diaz...LF
8. Alex Gonzalez...SS
9. Pitcher

[Gman]

Here's a fun one. How about the Braves put the most consistent power bat in the 3 hole when he gets back!

vs RHP
Heyward
Chipper
Prado
McCann
Glaus
Hinske
Ankiel
Gonzalez

vs. LHP
Heyward
Chipper
Prado
McCann
Glaus
Diaz
Gonzalez
Ankiel

(when Ross plays, Glaus-Diaz-Gonzalez move up one spot and Ross bats before Ankiel).

Melky is then relegated strictly to late inning corner OF defensive sub for Hinske, pinch hitter, and OF injury sub. Ankiel isn't great against lefties but he does have a .745 avg OPS against them for the last three years. I'm sure that's better than melky's best side (if he has one).

[luvdembravos]

What? No Infante? That dude needs to play everyday. He's the most consistent hitter we have after Prado.

[MSbravefan]

What? No Infante? That dude needs to play everyday. He's the most consistent hitter we have after Prado.

I don't know about everday, because then you use his versatility off the bench. 4-5 starts a week would work though.

[quick]

Yep. Chipper did tell Bobby that. He said Heyward was the only guy on the team (at the time) that was taking a great approach to the plate every at bat and also driving the ball with authority, and that he thinks those are the traits of a #3 hitter. So, it's definitely Bobby's decision to keep him there.


Of course, HeyWood is not driving in runs now, either. His hand is still not 100%, as he is not able to go after outside pitches, go around them, square them up, and then roll that top hand to crush it like he did in April. He is a gap hitter right now--neither he nor Chip have HR power.