Game 28: Rollins back to leadoff spot
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Game 28: Rollins back to leadoff spot
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
Drastic changes in the Phillies lineup as a three-game series with Washington begins.
Jimmy Rollins is back in his customary leadoff spot for the first time this season. Rollins had batted third in each of the Phillies' first 27 games. It's not that he's done terrible from there -- but a .346 slugging percentage is not optimal for the three hole.
It's not that Placido Polanco will bring much pop to the third spot, but Charlie Manuel apparently felt it was time for a change. Livan Hernandez starts for the Nationals.
It also appears a platoon has fully developed at second base, with Pete Orr earning yet another start against a righthander.
Here's the full nine:
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Shane Victorino 8
3. Placido Polanco 5
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Ben Francisco 9
6. Raul Ibanez 7
7. Pete Orr 4
8. Brian Schneider 2
9. Cole Hamels 1
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All I have to say is that it's about time Charlie mixed it up. Polanco sould've been moved to 3rd in the order a couple weeks ago.— BJG83- You've got to be kidding me. I guess Charlie was missing all the pop-ups to start the order. I see Raul Mendoza is still in the lineup. Good to know, I think I'll do something else this evening.— n62
- at least charlie has bunched his "hitters" into the 3 & 4 spots, leaving them surrounded by the other 7 outs.... oops, my bad, 6 outs....hamels is a pretty decent hitter.
- why not bat raul 9th?— FunCakes
- Mixing the lineup will not eliminate the weaknesses of this team offensively. The GM needed to address them before the season. Hitting was an issue last season and it is worse. itching will take you only so far. Have you watched the Marlins and Braves? Both have adequate pitching and their bats are better. People question Francisco. What about a three man that doesn't drive in runs? The GM needs to get some bats in the off season. Brown is a way off. He has holes at the plate.— wmontanez27
- Are you serious? Why don't people think before they speak? First off...both of those teams are behind the phillies in the standings. The marlins have scored 3 more runs than the phils, and the braves 1 more. I wouldn't exactly say their bats are that much better. Hate to burst your bubble, but pitching is what wins, especially now with pitching on the rise across the league. Remember who won the world series last year? Not exactly an offensive juggernaut. — birdsfaninnc
Comment removed.- 2-1 odds that Rollins swings at the first pitch in at least two at bats— shawnmac
- We all anxiously await a platoon developing in left field as well. I say when Chase comes back this is your batting order with him plugged into the #5 spot.— sla6yer
- Thanks Matt. Finally some good info compared to all the(werth)less articles— outta work
- Birdsfaninnc, The Giants won last year because a Phillie team could not hit against them. The pennant is not won in April. The Marlins are younger and getting better with Stanton and Morrison. Ramirez has not begun to hit. The Braves have a good pitching staff. The Phillies do not have many options for the field. Wait until their stretch against the quality teams coming around the corner. Then we will see what happens with this anemic offense. By the way I have been a Philly fan since 64. I just choose not to wear rose-colored glasses. Rollins at the top of the order makes no difference. He is poor in that spot. Victorino is better. However, time will tell.— wmontanez27
- Can't argue w/ this, do it Charlie. Jimmy's OBP .361, sixteen pts better than Shane. Polly is a perfect 'two-hole' hitter, now he's just doing it with twin lead-off hitters in front of him.
- i'd look at Raoul batting higher. right into the faces of the doomsayers, but last year when he was higher he did more. worth the shot in my opinion. What's to lose?— righty
- i'd look at Raoul batting higher. right into the faces of the doomsayers, but last year when he was higher he did more. worth the shot in my opinion. What's to lose?— righty
- i'd look at Raoul batting higher. right into the faces of the doomsayers, but last year when he was higher he did more. worth the shot in my opinion. What's to lose?— righty
