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Plotting a new lineup

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Plotting a new lineup

POSTED: Friday, July 6, 2012, 9:51 AM

Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer

(David Maialetti)

Ryan Howard will see Phillies doctors Friday morning as a mere formality. The Phillies decided Thursday night their slugging first baseman was ready for a return to the majors less than nine months removed from Achilles surgery and after only seven minor-league games.

Finally, Charlie Manuel will have his full lineup.

There are, of course, changes. A reporter noted Manuel would usually not have to worry about where Carlos Ruiz hits in the full unit. The manager laughed.

"Those are good wrinkles," Manuel said. "I don't have any trouble with those wrinkles."

So what will Manuel's lineup resemble in Game 85? Here's a best guess:

1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Juan Pierre 7
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Carlos Ruiz 2
6. Hunter Pence 9
7. Shane Victorino 8
8. Placido Polanco 5

Atlanta is throwing three righthanders this weekend. But once the Phillies face a lefty, it's reasonable to assume Polanco or Victorino slides to the No. 2 spot with John Mayberry Jr. playing left field and batting eighth.

Hector Luna appears to be the most logical player to demoted make room for Howard. Luna has started six games and batted 40 times since June 1 with a .189 average. He has an option remaining, so he need not clear waivers to rejoin triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies could also send out Jason Pridie, who bats lefthanded. He, too, has an option remaining.

What is the lineup you would use with Howard in the mix?

Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.

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Comments (53)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 9:56 AM, 07/06/2012

All Charlie has done this season is fiddle with the lineup while Dubee and the pitching staff burn.

— Dull

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:07 AM, 07/06/2012

If you accept that clean up is an important role and realize the Phillies have the best clean up hitter in the league this year (Chooch, hitting .382 with 1.085 OPS at clean up)it is clear that the line up should be built around Chooch. He has been the best overall hitter on the Phillies for the last 3 years.

— jtj06

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:15 AM, 07/06/2012

Chooch is having a fine year and was a worthy selection to the All Star team. He should bat behind Howard and give him some protection. Howard is a true clean up hitter. From the time he was promoted until the beginning of this season do you know how many players had more RBI in MLB? NOBODY!!!! Not Hamilton, or Batista, or Fielder or Rodriguez, not even Pujols.

— Paul SoTX

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:11 PM, 07/06/2012

Word. Your cleanup hitter is designed to drive in runs and hOward does that better than anyone. Howard hit the ball very well this week in rehab. It's time for the Big Piece to carry the team

— bobf876