I have to admit, I like the lineup.
1. Eckstein
2. Edmonds
3. Albert
4. Dunc
5. Scotty (those two will probably be reversed)
6. Adam
7. Juan
8. Yadi
9. (pitcher)
I like Duncan batting right after Albert, although I don't think it will happen. He might see some better pitches in front of Rolen then if he were in front of Kennedy. That is why I have Jimmy batting second. Let Kennedy battle down there in that 6th spot to get on base in front on Juanito. Give Jimmy the best lineup spot in baseball: right in front of PHAT ALBERT.
Wow...think about Yadi batting like he did in the playoffs. Thinking about that home run to win the NLCS still gives me chills. I don't know if anyone else noticed, but he had a slight alteration in his stance in the playoffs. He opened it up a little. It seemed to have given him a better look at the ball and he was able to drive inside pitches (i.e. thank you very much Aaron Heilman), and also go the other way on outside pitches left up. Hopefully he'll be able to lay off of those down and away pitches next season, and take a few walks! Gotta love that from your #8 guy right!?
Okay. The suspect staff...
1. Carpenter
2. Reyes
3. Wainwright
4. Wells
5. Thompson?
Let's get it out there right now...a majority of Cardinals fans want Wainwright to be the closer. I mean, come on, he closed out the NLCS AND the World Series with K's. And I think we've all had it with Izzy, although Cardinal faithful always seem to hope for the best. We shall see I suppose, but it makes for interesting speculation.
If the Cards trade for a starter (keep your fingers crossed for Carl Pavano or Brad Penny, though the latter is very unlikely), then I would keep Thompson in and move Wainwright to the pen.
I'm cautiously optimistic about Wells. I think Reyes will win 16 games. As a starter, Wainwright has the stuff to win 17-19 games. Is that more valuable than 50 saves?
Some questions to think about...
What do you expect from Encarnacion? What's your take on the pitching situation? I'd like to hear about it!
2 comments:
The bullpen is where you put guys who can't start, the "closer" role is the most overrated in baseball.
If you have a guy with the potential to start, you put him in the rotation. Why do you think that Boston is moving Papelbon to the rotation? He's too good to waste in the bullpen.
A player who could be on par with Papelbon or Verlander or Liriano needs to be eating innings, not closing games.
Wainwright in the closer role would be a terrible option; especially when you have Izzy or Looper to close it out.
Good thoughts. I agree.
Post a Comment