Jason Heyward, Leadoff Hitter
by Scott Coleman on Jun 27, 2011 6:40 PM EDT
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PrintThere has been a lot of chatter the last week or so on the Braves' inconsistent lineup, and it appears that Fredi Gonzalez is ready to make some big changes. Here is tonight's lineup as the Braves take on Erik Bedard and the Seattle Mariners:
Jason Heyward - RF
Julio Lugo - 3B
Brian McCann - C
Chipper Jones - DH
Freddie Freeman - 1B
Dan Uggla - 2B
Alex Gonzalez - SS
Nate McLouth - CF
Wilkin Ramirez - LF
Brandon Beachy - P
It's something that is certainly innovative and out of the ordinary, though any manager who bats Julio Lugo second should be checked out by a medical professional. Outside of that, the lineup actually looks pretty good. I'd have Uggla batting 2nd and Lugo batting 9th, but that's just me.
What do you think of the new lineup?
Jason Heyward, the leadoff man. I never thought I'd write those words.
Tonight's game starts at 10:10EDT.
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I don’t mind Lugo at first. Let’s be honest, it’s not like Uggla has a better chance of getting on base than Lugo.
Why Wilkin Ramirez?
Is the lefty-righty matchup that big a deal? Even against a LHP I’d most certainly prefer to have Hinske up there.
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 6:43 PM EDT reply actions
I’m not Fredi, but Wilkin was blasting the ball in batting practice the other day at Petco. Dude was hitting it to the top rows of the upper deck in left field.
Not that most guys can’t do it, but perhaps Fredi figured he’d try to get Wilkin a start or two. Bedard typically kills lefties and Hinske generally struggles against those lefties.
"It's not about me, it's about the team." - Martin Prado
Twitter: @scottcoleman55
by Scott Coleman on Jun 27, 2011 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions
plus Schafer is 4 for 34 vs southpaws
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
The kid is up...
may as well give him a shot before he goes back down whenever I guess Young’s 10 day purgatory expires.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
I hate this lineup.
Jason Heyward is NOT a leadoff hitter. The way he has been playing, he should be in the bottom of the lineup. Then again, it’s not like we have any options that are actually good…
"Sports is human life in microcosm."
Howard Cosell
You mean
.316-.381-.421 the last 7 days? And one of the only guys on the team to get extra base hits besides McCann?
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you that he’s not a leadoff hitter, but he also shouldn’t be in the bottom of the order.
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I realize that he’s done well in the past week, but it’s ONE WEEK. If he is indeed our golden boy, why hasn’t he played like it for most of the season?
"Sports is human life in microcosm."
Howard Cosell
He has a .350 OBP and a wRC+ of 100 in June. Meh.
by Ivan the Great on Jun 27, 2011 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh
He had a bad shoulder?
"Bunting's my favorite." Fredi G
For the whole season?
Also, people are making too many excuses for him. I agree that he will be a stud in a couple of years, but for now, he is overrated.
"Sports is human life in microcosm."
Howard Cosell
The problem
is he doesn’t need apologists (one “p”). He gets on base a lot and when healthy, like he is now, hits for power. That’s not a “bottom of the order” combination.
by crimsonqueen9 on Jun 27, 2011 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'll agree that he draws a lot of walks.
I like that about him. But it’s not like he hits .300 or anything. He also strikes out too much.
"Sports is human life in microcosm."
Howard Cosell
OBP > Batting Average
Nothing wrong with Heyward’s OBP
by crimsonqueen9 on Jun 27, 2011 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
A thousand times this
Tired of this dude constantly harping
Follow me on Twitter: @hashtagbaseball
Um, when he isn't plagued by a bum thumb or suspect shoulder...
yeah, he does hit like .300.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
What are these "excuses?"
I’ve heard one, that he had a bad shoulder… And he did.
Follow me on Twitter: @hashtagbaseball
Fredi is shaking things up.
Seems like a quite fine idea and, therefore, I approve. The details are not so important.
Sort of like it
What the hell, nothing else has really sparked the offense, why not?
"Bunting's my favorite." Fredi G
not really much different than the previous lineup, just replaced one terrible hitter at the top of the order for another.
i love Heyward in the leadoff spot though. Just wish Fredi would learn that you don’t put horrible hitters like Schafer, Lugo or Gonzalez near the top of the lineup.
So, given the current injuries and lack of hitting,
whats your ideal top 4 of the lineup?
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
For me
1. McLouth (DODGES LIGHTNING)
2. Heyward
3. Chipper
4. McCann
That’s not actually ideal because I’d flip Chipper and Heyward, but we’re talking about Fredi Friggin’ Gonzalez and he’s more likely to bat the pitcher leadoff than do that.
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
McLouth....
seriously? he’s 9-56 hitting leadoff over the last 2 years
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
Yeah, but that’s probably not a meaningful “set” of at-bats. His overall performance is probably a better indicator of how he’ll do in that spot than any past performance limited to that spot alone.
by Ivan the Great on Jun 27, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
really?
are you saying that where he hits in the lineup has no effect?
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
Again, it's hardly praising him.
I just wouldn’t put Heyward at leadoff because I’d prefer to use someone with his slugging ability with at least one person on base. In a perfect world, McLouth is 7th or 8th, yes, but without Prado and with Schafer continuing to be a sucking void, it’s not like there’s a plethora of options. Conrad?
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
fair enough
It seems like we have so many holes in the lineup we cant even fill out one lineup. Spring training, basically
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
We've done this before
It didn’t work.
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
Trying to balance the lineup between L/R is hard at the moment with Uggla struggling. But at the moment i think i might go something like Heyward, Chipper, McLouth, McCann, Uggla, Freeman, Gonzalez, Schafer, Pitcher. You normally want your best 3 hitters in the 1,2 and 4 spots in the lineup. And in order to balance the L/R i put Chipper 2nd instead of Heyward.
it probably works by the book.
3 should be worse than 1, 2, 4, and 5 iirc.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
well he can take a walk better than Freeman. And i didn’t want to have 3 lefties in a row so i had to decide between the two. And i figure having the better obp skills was more important in the 3rd spot. The Book says the 3rd spot in the lineup isn’t as important as we think though, the order of importance goes like this:
We should see if we can get Marquis Grissom to come in and play for us again. I bet it wouldn’t take much to get him from the Dodgers and he could provide a pretty good spark.
That reminds me of the horrible line he posted in 2005 before calling it quits.
.212/.248/.285 with a 35 wRC+ and an 0.39 BB/K percentage.
And yet that’s still better than Uggla. Ugh.
by Ivan the Great on Jun 27, 2011 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
i believe its more of a game of darts
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
MLB showed this stat
we have the 2nd best average with runners in scoring position, but the 5th worst over all. In other words: When we get them on, we get them in, we just don’t get them on.
That being said, I like a little shake up just to see what we can make happen. I like even more that Scott Coleman did this write up. MVHS people. Things are looking up.
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jun 27, 2011 7:01 PM EDT reply actions
Another amazing stat
Going into play yesterday, we had a higher OPS than the Phillies (no longer).
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Who's this Scott Coleman guy?
Meh....must be another rookie. ;oP
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
hey there friend
hows everything going?
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
Hey! That's close to my (borrowed) tag line of Hello Friends...careful...haha
I’m good man. Getting packed up…moving in about 3 weeks. There has been a venue change, however. Headed to Raleigh, NC, rather than FL.
How’s things with you?
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions
i do apologize =)
and wow! what caused the change? you will be right in TL2 and NCChopper’s neck of the woods, i believe.
I have been doing well, just the usual job search and trying to stay cool in this awful weather >.<
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
Haha...no worries brother
I’ve just heard way too many bad things about FL, between the market not clearing up (seemingly) ever due to all the short sales and foreclosures, the builders in the area…all that. It made me pretty gunshy to buy there at this point in time. I have some family in Raleigh (and Greensboro), so that played a part.
Yeah, I heard it’s pretty brutal in your neck of the woods, these days, and yeah, I figured I’d be pretty close to NC Chopper as well.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, i could imagine. Hard to find a good area with everything up in the air the way it is now. NC is a really beautiful state, and my dad used to do a lot of business in Raleigh, and he liked he city a lot, could get back and forth from atlanta in a day.
Actually, I was looking on a map just now and I think they live farther west, I know TL2 lives in TN but is also close to NCChopper, so i have no idea
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
It’s a great area…plus the whole research triangle deal pretty much solidifies growth/stability there.
…and yeah, getting to ATL to catch a few games would rule!
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That is true.
do you have a job lined up?
and your ass better be at the TC get together!
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
Same job
just from my house instead of my office, which rules.
…and yeah, I’m so in.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Does your boss let you sleep in with the dog every now and then?
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
LOL…nah, not so much my friend.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
that came out a little weird.
you know what i mean haha
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
LOL..yeah I did
no worries!
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions
well you may find this funny...
so our dog now hears the word taco and freaks out, running around barking and jumping up and down, and we THINK its because she thinks we mean “to go” as in who wants to go out. We cant tell if shes a genius or an idiot
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
Probably a bit of both, but that’s why dogs are so great!!
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Some lazy schmuck...
I’ve heard he’s a loser too. Like Kawakami bad.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Must be why we sent him down from the big leagues to SBNation…LOL
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I was going to say the DSL, tongue firmly in cheek…LOL
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Come on now, he isn't that bad...
but he is a dime a dozen writer. One in 200,000,000.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Hahahaha…we can’t bust on him too bad, though. He was good when he was here.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate both of you.
"It's not about me, it's about the team." - Martin Prado
Twitter: @scottcoleman55
by Scott Coleman on Jun 27, 2011 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
We still love you though
never forget where you came from kid.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 27, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
and you know I say kid not cause you are...
but just to twist that knife a little more. I call it needle.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 27, 2011 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t expect anything different.
I stay busy with the SBN Atlanta gig and it’s a lot more work than TC, but I always stop by and check in on the blog daily. Always grateful to the site and Martin for getting me my start on writing for the Braves.
"It's not about me, it's about the team." - Martin Prado
Twitter: @scottcoleman55
by Scott Coleman on Jun 28, 2011 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't like
I would honestly rather him stick to a lineup that makes sense. Changing the lineup over and over is not the answer. I’m not saying that I have the answer, but this is not it.
One of my fears
Is that we score like six runs tonight, Fredi thinks HEY HEY I CURED IT and keeps a similar lineup for the next couple of weeks.
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
And that is precisely what would happen. Here’s a likely scenario: Fredi will keep changing the lineup. Eventually, we will start to hit again, and once we do, he will use that lineup for the rest (or majority) of the season.
Fredi (and the fans) need to maintain their confidence in this team. They WILL improve at the plate. Uggla is going to hit again. Sometimes I wish Fredi was a little more patient.
David $&*#(*@% Ross
needs to be in this lineup. It’s not like you couldn’t move him to catcher if Mac gets hurt, the possibility of both of them getting injured in the same game is to remote to even think about. GRRR!
by Varroa Destructor on Jun 27, 2011 7:18 PM EDT reply actions
Do you mean David Ross at DH? because if so, then I don’t think that you could move him to catch if Heap got hurt. They are the designated hitter for the game. They can’t play the field.
no you can
you forfeit the DH and have a pitcher hit, but you can
"Welcome to the show, Brandon Beachy. I think you’re going to stay a while."
I did not know any of that
I thought DH was like any other position. You learn something new every day.
by Varroa Destructor on Jun 27, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I bet Ross plays at least one of the games this week.
I think the last AL-park series we had, Fredi said he wanted to cycle so that Chipper and McCann each got a day off in the field. So I bet you’ll see Ross catch one game w/ Mac at DH. Then another game with either Ross or Hinske DHing.
by Torgo's Executive Powder on Jun 27, 2011 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
This should have been the night
We need another RH bat in the lineup tonight. Lefties have a .587 OPS against Bedard this year.
"Some people give their bodies to science. I gave mine to baseball." -- Ron Hunt
Where's ROSSY?????
OK…out of my system…
by TBuzz on Jun 27, 2011 7:39 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
OK, so my take on the lineup
Heyward batting leadoff…that’s a twist, but what the h*ll…let’s try it.
Lugo batting 2nd is just hilarious. I truly believe Freddi needs some a visit to the shrink, and soon. Hell, I’d rather have McLouth in the 2 hole /ducks
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
Ya, at least Heyward gets on base
But to see Lugo batting anywhere but 9th is just… WTF. This is a guy who was out of baseball just a few weeks ago.
I cannot WAIT until Prado is back.
"My parents do a lot of things behind the scenes that go unnoticed"- Cam Newton, Heisman acceptance speech.
by TurnerTheBurner on Jun 27, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
A billion times this.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I like it...
It’s not like our other line-ups were scoring 5+ runs per game…what can it hurt?
"Insert witty and/or funny quote here" ~ The Person Who Spoketh Said Quote.
interesting change
One can’t say that Fredi is not trying, I guess, to jump start the offense.
In Bedard’s last outing, he strikeout 10 but lost due to a couple of errors behind him. Hopefully, we can score some runs against him (or rather against the bullpen after Bedard only goes 6).
by LEastCoastBears on Jun 27, 2011 8:10 PM EDT reply actions
#Frediball Hits New Low
Heyward leading off is tremendous, although probably temporary. Lugo starting is dubious at best, but batting him 2nd (i.e. one of the most valuable line-up spots) is hilarious.
Honestly he's a .270 lifetime hitter and he's .333 this year (A WHOLE 1 FOR 3)
Maybe everybody should reserve a little judgement.
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
Like the stat geeks say Schafer was terrible as a OBP so Heyward, Lugo is no worse than Schafer, Heyward although it certainly seems more comical. It would seem to be the perfect night to use Ross too but heaven forbid Fredo use him two games in a row.
The plain truth is that Fredo is just clueless. It’ll be even funnier if it works and people suddenly thinks he is a genius. The guy is throwing random darts at the board and has consistently proven he doesn’t understand basic management decisions all year long.
I’m more surprised to see Chipper not batting 3rd
I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was. - Muhammad Ali
How do I feel? Like f**king success - Jordan Schafer
I'm not
At this point in his career he’s only a power hitter, so he should always be batting cleanup.
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jun 27, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Is this the OT?
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 27, 2011 9:18 PM EDT reply actions
Howdy fella...
Negative sir.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh…well then, back to the PSN and updating mine and getting my free stuff then.
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 27, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Enjoy bro…I probably won’t make the OT, so have a good night.
CEO and Founder of the Hire Bill Cowher for 2012 Bandwagon.
Pack your bags, TS and JI.
by DolphinNation on Jun 27, 2011 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok man. You too!
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 27, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
So we're not friends then?
Cool. Nope, that doesn’t hurt at all. Not even a little.
/finds corner
//cries like Ron Swanson for Lil’ Sebastian
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
That was a sad day!
My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.
by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT
by justincredubil02 on Jun 27, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
OBVIOUSLY, Fredi saw how dominant Lugo was in AAA.
Oh, he only batted .231, errrrrrrrr.
Jason Heyward homeruns make babies stop crying.. Jason Heyward homeruns also make babies, period.
by TheMelkHasSpoiled on Jun 27, 2011 9:30 PM EDT reply actions
Fredi's thoughts FWIW- Veteran newcomer Julio Lugo, who is 9-for-34 history against Bedard
"Give DH to Chipper, keep him in the lineup and keep his legs kind of fresh, put Lugo in there [at third]. And put Heyward at leadoff spot, because he’s an on-base guy and it also kind of splits up the lefties."
Although I have to say...
You guys complain that Fredi needs to do something to shake things up, and then he shakes things up as much as possible, and you complain.
I have a good feeling that Wilkin is going to hit a bomb tonight. Quote me.
Jason Heyward homeruns make babies stop crying.. Jason Heyward homeruns also make babies, period.
by TheMelkHasSpoiled on Jun 27, 2011 9:31 PM EDT reply actions
sure thing
something to shake things up, and then he shakes things up as /blockquote>
this what you had in mind?
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jun 27, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
This.
I have a good feeling that Wilkin is going to hit a bomb tonight. Quote me.
Jason Heyward homeruns make babies stop crying.. Jason Heyward homeruns also make babies, period.
by TheMelkHasSpoiled on Jun 27, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
hahaha....I don't use the sarcasm font
thought that one would be obvious though
It was a particularly small egg...thats why I asked.
by thenightstallion on Jun 27, 2011 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I knew you were kidding mayne, don't worry.
Just wanted to quote myself to feel important!
Jason Heyward homeruns make babies stop crying.. Jason Heyward homeruns also make babies, period.
by TheMelkHasSpoiled on Jun 27, 2011 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Heyward leadoff to break out of his slump like Longoria?
I can dig it
I pray to Jason Heyward every night
by JasonHeywardisGod on Jun 27, 2011 9:34 PM EDT reply actions
I can dig it
if it actually happens
by DreamWithinADream on Jun 27, 2011 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
that also
I pray to Jason Heyward every night
by JasonHeywardisGod on Jun 27, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions
why with all sports video games...
is there no level between easy as beating a 4 yr old at basketball and easy as beating Michael Jordan at basketball?
I just want a real game, not a gimme that takes no effort, or one so frustrating it makes me wanna scream since the computer players now have moves and agility mine are incapable of possessing, and someone always in the right place at the perfect time.
http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/
Lineup:
I like the lineup. I am certainly willing to overlook Lugo batting second for the imagination of the lineup as a whole.
I for one am sick of the constant line up changes. I understand you want to mix things up once in a while when things aren’t working, but how is a guy supposed to get comfortable in a position if he is constantly being moved around. I feel like Fredi is grasping at straws these days to avoid complaints of not doing enough. You can over-manage too. Some guys have a spot in the line up and should not ever be moved. Speed/average at the top, power/average in the middle, leftovers/pitcher in the rear. I read the managing for dummies book too, Fredi.
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