Should we read anything into today's lineup against the Braves?
Listed below is today's lineup for the Phillies home game against the Braves. You can look at this one of two ways:
Should we read anything into today's lineup against the Braves?
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Listed below is today's lineup for the Phillies home game against the Braves. You can look at this one of two ways:
1) Just another list of players who will provide background for a whole lot of beer-drinking.
2) A good indication of the Phillies' thought-process with regards to their Opening Day roster.
I'm going to go with scenario No. 2 for a couple of reasons. First, the Phillies are playing split squad today. Second, the home game is the one where they'll be facing Jair Jurrjens, whom they should face plenty of times this season.
Here's the lineup for the home game against the Braves:
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Placido Polanco 3B
3. Shane Victorino CF
4. Jim Thome DH
5. Hunter Pence RF
6. John Mayberry Jr.
7. Scott Podsednik LF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Freddy Galvis 2B
A couple of interesting observations:
First, Scott Podsednik is starting in left field. Maybe it is just a coincidence that Manuel elected to keep him at home to face Jurrjens in a lineup that features all of the Phillies' healthy regulars. And maybe it is just a coincidence that he elected to send Juan Pierre on the long bus trip down to Port Charlotte to face the Rays. Or, maybe he wants to see Podsednik against a pitcher like Jurrjens in a lineup like the one the Phillies will be using during the regular season.
Second, John Mayberry Jr. is starting at first base. Maybe it is just a coincidence that Manuel elected to put him there. And maybe it is a coincidence that he elected to send Ty Wigginton on the long bus trip south. But Manuel has indicated on several occasions that he likes Mayberry's defense at first base. And if Podsednik really is a legit option in left field, maybe that allows Manuel to use Mayberry at first instead of left during the regular season.
Third, Freddy Galvis is starting at second base. Maybe it is just coincidence, but Galvis has played a lot of second base lately. And the Phillies have not seen great play out of the other utility infielders in camp. The Phillies have made it clear that they want Galvis playing every day in the minors instead of playing part-time in the majors. And they continue to insist that they think Chase Utley will be ready to play on Opening Day. But I'm curious if the Phillies are starting to see Galvis as an option at second base should Utley end up missing a significant chunk of time at some point during the regular season.
Just some things to chew on.
Should we read that much into it. I think your thought on Podsednick is spot on, but it is just a split squad game.— jaybird52- What's the line up against the Rays.— EL Zorro
- if podsednik can stay healthy, not only will he make the team, he will be a regular contributor this season.— CosmoK
This line-up will have problems scoring. It just looks weak in consistent at-bats, and Double-Play prone.- I like this lineup. A good mix of speed & pop. If the Phillies played in the AL they would be set.— micconway
- Lineup vs. Rays: 1)Pierre CF, 2)Frandsen SS, 3)Wigginton 3B, 4)Brown DH, 5)Montanez RF, 6)Luna 1B, 7)Orr 2B, 8)Gosewisch C, 9)Clevlen LF
— schmenkman - Looks like a good lineup to me and I hope Scott makes the team over Pierre. I think he could be a missing piece as far as speed and obp if he is healthy. I am rooting for him to make the team but have a feeling Charlie won't see it that way . I think Galvis is the surprise this season when and if he gets up here to play on a regular basis. I think if he is given a shot he will run with it and won't be sent down again. With our injured guys he could get to play almost everyday like Valdez and MM did. He needs to hit everyday and I bet if Chase doesn't start the season Galvis does over MM. But again we will see how Charlie sees it— pattymac3
- It is important for Galvis to continue seeing MLB pitching. I said this in October, but Mayberry will be the everyday 1B until Howard comes back. Only way that will change is if they put Utley there, and I don't see that happening.— Clt Philly Fan
- As mentioned previously, Podsednik is a keeper. He will be the "other" outfielder. Pierre is a great guy, but his slap single offense and woeful arm in the outfield are not qualities needed. If healthy, Podsednik represents a real upgrade in the outfield (based on his number for his last full season in the bigs before his foot injury). The guy is hungry, agressive, and like a throwback (Hunter Pense) that can shake up this clubhouse.— drhoffman
- Thanks Schmenkman. Didn't know Clevlen was with the Phillies.— EL Zorro
- The other issue is why has Domonic Brown been dhing the last 2 days? Doesn't this guy need as many reps as possible out there? How is he going to get better? Today's a perfect time to get him out in Left... Nix is banged up and there's a s.s. game. I don't get it. Unless he's hurt.— terryharmon
- ??????You gave us the lineup but didn't tell us who is pitching? Cmon Murph.. WTF?— SilliBilli
- Who is pitching?— SilliBilli
- 1. Posednik is playing his way onto the roster. 2. Mayberry is the best defensive option at 1B, but he needs to hit like last year. 3. Galvis will start at 2B if Utley can't start the season; otherwise, Galvis is at AAA. 4. This lineup is WEAK. The only proven power guy is Pence and he's in the 20-25 HR, 90-RBI range. Not super. A lot of people project power for Mayberry but he hasn't demonstrated it over an entire season yet.— eman
- Joe Donuts is pitching today.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
