Who will be the Sox's #2 hitter in the line up for 2007

[scaffolds]

Position for position, Pedroia should be a better hitter for his position than youkilis is for his.

[scaffolds]

Anyone had to admire kevin Youkilis, a player with very limeted baseball skills to make it to the ML can't be ignored, however he isn't the caliber of player that should be playing as a starter on a contending club.

[riverside sluggers]

He's not actually Tomas Perez with the bat.

[scaffolds]

He's not actually Tomas Perez with the bat.

 

As a starting first baseman or even as a third baseman Youkilis is below Average as a hitter. I don't mind him being an utility type of a player, but not as a starter.

[jacksonianmarch]

Position for position' date=' Pedroia should be a better hitter for his position than youkilis is for his.[/quote']

 

which is fine. But consider lineup position.

[mAAAbs]

Id like to see to see Lugo and Crisp at the top of the lineup but then again the speed would go to waste and open first for Ortiz to be walked.<_ pedrioa is way to young and inexpirienced get the job on opening day. he didnt prove a thing last year either.:thumbdown id definatley go with youk. takes alot of pitches whitch would let lugo steal some bases.:thumbsup:>

[hoke3182]

Id like to see to see Lugo and Crisp at the top of the lineup but then again the speed would go to waste and open first for Ortiz to be walked.<_ pedrioa is way to young and inexpirienced get the job on opening day. he didnt prove a thing last year either.:thumbdown id definatley go with youk. takes alot of pitches whitch would let lugo steal some bases.:thumbsup:>First post but a f***ing wonderful one. At least someone gets it. Why hit two speed guys with average obp 1&2, I wouldn't get it and bet Francona doesn't either.

 

:thumbsup:

[scaffolds]

First post but a f***ing wonderful one. At least someone gets it. Why hit two speed guys with average obp 1&2, I wouldn't get it and bet Francona doesn't either.

 

:thumbsup:

 

that its right we need someone to strike out after the first batter gets on base or we need to open the line up with a strike out.

[riverside sluggers]

Pedroia is going to turn 24, players even younger than him have starting jobs. Some people are putting way too much in a grand total of 89 ABs, let alone those were inconsistent. Give the kid a chance, he will not disappoint.

 

4 for 41 start hurt his first impression

He then rebounded to finish the season with 14 Hits in 48 ABs for a .276 avg

[scaffolds]

Id like to see to see Lugo and Crisp at the top of the lineup but then again the speed would go to waste and open first for Ortiz to be walked.<_ pedrioa is way to young and inexpirienced get the job on opening day. he didnt prove a thing last year either.:thumbdown id definatley go with youk. takes alot of pitches whitch would let lugo steal some bases.:thumbsup:>

 

You are missing the point speed on the bases it doesn't means stealing bases, just a better chance to score without the need of a HR.

[a700hitter]

First post but a f***ing wonderful one. At least someone gets it. Why hit two speed guys with average obp 1&2, I wouldn't get it and bet Francona doesn't either.

 

:thumbsup:

When Youk isn't striking out, he'' be killing rallies hitting into DP's.

[hoke3182]

When Youk isn't striking out' date=' he'' be killing rallies hitting into DP's.[/quote']Youk had a 380 obp, I don't know but don't you want runners on with Papi & Manny up . Who do you want to hit 2nd?

[BSN07]

To be honest, I wouldnt mind seeing Drew hit 2nd( if he signs), I think he will be better stat wise if he has the protection of Papi and Manny behind him. Manny has never had great protection behind him, but still puts up great numbers. Just an idea that probably won't happen.

[Mr Crunchy]

drew at 2nd would be a nice fit

good obp,a lefty who would see quality pitches in front of ortiz and papi and a bit of pop

youk tailed badly last year as did the entire team

lugo drew papi manny then its a crap shoot

[jacksonianmarch]

Drew would be a good #2 hitter. Batting him at 5 wastes his OBP because Lowell, Vtek, and Crisp will follow and none of them are big time RBI men.

[scaffolds]

The problem with Drew hitting second its who will hit fifth behind Manny, because other wise he won't see a pitch to hit and please don't say Youkilis.

[a700hitter]

We don't have a perfect #2 hitter. I would be inclined to go with Lugo and Coco inthe 1 and 2 slots if they are hitting. If Coco picks up where he left off last year, they'll have to go with Youk. If they could pick up a big bopper to play 1st and bat 5th, Drew could hit second. I think the #2 hole will be a problem this year as the #5 hole was a problem last year.

[TGov]

Why not just have Coco go back to hitting #2 like he did in Cleveland, Loretta last year was a great #2 hitter, to bad he had to go, but maybe Pedroia will develop into a #2 hitter within the next couple of years...

[Mr Crunchy]

drew will struggle to hit 20hrs in fenway

its 400 to the right field power alley

unless

he goes the other way

(judging by his struggles to stay on the field i suspect he does)

youk isnt a 5th hitter but with his obp he can hit 2nd despite him running uphill carrying a keg of beer...

crisp may lead off if he pulls he can stay healthy

lugo isnt a bad option at 2 either

 

depends who is hitting

who is not and what transpires with the dl drew talks and cocos finger

[seabeachfred]

Pedroia is going to turn 24, players even younger than him have starting jobs. Some people are putting way too much in a grand total of 89 ABs, let alone those were inconsistent. Give the kid a chance, he will not disappoint.

 

4 for 41 start hurt his first impression

He then rebounded to finish the season with 14 Hits in 48 ABs for a .276 avg

 

Riverside, I think Pedroia will settle in the No. 2 spot by 2008 and by 2009 he and Jacoby Ellsbury will be our No. 1 and 2 hitters. I think this year, however, since he is coming off a shaky start and has many fans wondering about his ability that he should stay in the ninth hole. However, no way do we put Crisp there. If Lugo decides to run I can just see Coco hacking away a foul ball. No, at least Youk can work the count and will take a pitch to two if he has to. One thing Kevin has to do, though, is cut down on strikeouts, but to me he is the right guy to bat behind Julio.

------------------------------------

One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very sexy nightie. "Tie me up", she purred, "and you can do anything you want."

 

So he tied her up and went golfing.

[example1]

I would start out this year by saying that I expect every player to have a little more positional flexibility than they have in recent years. For instance, I would expcet WMP to work on 1B during batting practice in a low-pressure sort of way. I would expect Ortiz to play 1B every 10 games or so, and expect WMP, Coco and Drew to be able to play any of the three outfield positions.

 

If these things could happen (with WMP playing 1B being low priority) then they would have a lot of lineup flexibility.

 

Here's my ideal offensive minded (i.e., playoff) lineup:

 

Youkilis-3B,

Crisp- CF,

Ortiz- 1B,

Ramirez- DH,

Drew- RF,

Pena- LF,

Varitek- C

Pedroia- 2B

Lugo- SS

 

A solid defensive lineup:

 

Youkilis- 1B

Crisp- CF

Ortiz- DH

Ramirez- LF

Drew- RF

Varitek- C

Lowell- 3B

Pedroia- 2B

Lugo- SS

 

 

I think if Manny can take breaks at DH, not only would Ortiz be fine at 1B, but he would win an MVP, Manny would stay healthier, Drew would stay healthier, WMP would stay healthier.

 

BTW, Pedroia is an ideal #2 hitter eventually. He's a great contact hitter. He has never struck out more than 42 times in a season (I think its 42), at ANY level, full season, half season, whatever. That can be invaluable in moving over runners, getting sacrifices and making the pitchers work.

 

He's also one of the top 2-3 2B prospects (probably the top in many lists) in all of baseball. I think the only competition he has there at this point is Howie Kendrick (who I'm a BIG fan of), but I think it says a lot. Pedroia has so many tools that a lot of people here love to downplay.

[jacksonianmarch]

Lugo as the 9 hitter is a waste. Lugo right now is a better hitter than Crisp. Hence, having Lugo in the 9 hole and Crisp in the 2 hole is a waste.

 

Lugo

Youkilis

Papi

Manny

Drew

Lowell

Varitek

Crisp

Pedroia

[a700hitter]

Lugo as the 9 hitter is a waste. Lugo right now is a better hitter than Crisp. Hence, having Lugo in the 9 hole and Crisp in the 2 hole is a waste.

 

Lugo

Youkilis

Papi

Manny

Drew

Lowell

Varitek

Crisp

Pedroia

The bottom 4 will need to step up or this could be a very weak order. I'd like to get a big bat at 1B.

[scaffolds]

The bottom 4 will need to step up or this could be a very weak order. I'd like to get a big bat at 1B.

 

700. i agree that they need a better hitter at first base, but i don't see happening until to close the end of July.

[seabeachfred]

I would start out this year by saying that I expect every player to have a little more positional flexibility than they have in recent years. For instance, I would expcet WMP to work on 1B during batting practice in a low-pressure sort of way. I would expect Ortiz to play 1B every 10 games or so, and expect WMP, Coco and Drew to be able to play any of the three outfield positions.

 

If these things could happen (with WMP playing 1B being low priority) then they would have a lot of lineup flexibility.

 

Here's my ideal offensive minded (i.e., playoff) lineup:

 

Youkilis-3B,

Crisp- CF,

Ortiz- 1B,

Ramirez- DH,

Drew- RF,

Pena- LF,

Varitek- C

Pedroia- 2B

Lugo- SS

 

A solid defensive lineup:

 

Youkilis- 1B

Crisp- CF

Ortiz- DH

Ramirez- LF

Drew- RF

Varitek- C

Lowell- 3B

Pedroia- 2B

Lugo- SS

 

 

I think if Manny can take breaks at DH, not only would Ortiz be fine at 1B, but he would win an MVP, Manny would stay healthier, Drew would stay healthier, WMP would stay healthier.

 

BTW, Pedroia is an ideal #2 hitter eventually. He's a great contact hitter. He has never struck out more than 42 times in a season (I think its 42), at ANY level, full season, half season, whatever. That can be invaluable in moving over runners, getting sacrifices and making the pitchers work.

 

He's also one of the top 2-3 2B prospects (probably the top in many lists) in all of baseball. I think the only competition he has there at this point is Howie Kendrick (who I'm a BIG fan of), but I think it says a lot. Pedroia has so many tools that a lot of people here love to downplay.

 

You're damn right about Pedroia. I saw him in college and he was a helluva player there, one of the best in the country, and Arizona State has one of the best programs in the country and plays a ballbreaker schedule. As I remember, Dustin cleaned up on that level. However, Ex, I still think the first time around as a full time regular in his first full season, start him at No. 9 and let's see how he progresses. No doubt in my mind he will be a good No. 2 hitter with a year or two. In fact, I think the guy can be a 300 hitter in the Majors. Why not? He has hit better than that everywhere he has played. I think a lot of people are selling this guy short.

[seabeachfred]

The problem with Drew hitting second its who will hit fifth behind Manny' date=' because other wise he won't see a pitch to hit and please don't say Youkilis.[/quote']

 

Scaff, what we should all be aware of is that J.D. COULD hit in the No. 2 spot if needed; he is not going to hit there whenever we finally get him signed. If we had a hot Tek or Lowell it might be possible, but even then I would say nyet to that because we'd be asking them to do more than they're capable of doing. Lowell and Varitek are fine in the sixth and seventh position and that's that. Now if we could swing a trade for a guy like Teixeira, well, anyway, I had better stop dreaming. That ain't happening this year. Maybe next.

[example1]

Lugo as the 9 hitter is a waste. Lugo right now is a better hitter than Crisp. Hence, having Lugo in the 9 hole and Crisp in the 2 hole is a waste.

 

Lugo

Youkilis

Papi

Manny

Drew

Lowell

Varitek

Crisp

Pedroia

 

Wow, f***ing profound jacksonian. Your statistics are impecable and your delivery is lawyerly.

 

In fact I see lots of reason to believe that Crisp is the better hitter. They have almost the exact same career OPS, but Crisp is 4 years younger and should develop into a better hitter. They have similar speed, although Lugo might be slightly higher there. Where I think the real difference lies is in Crisp being a switchhitter. Francona loves having that versatility near the top of the order for late in games.

 

Another possibility, if Pedroia can play respectably, is to put the speed at the bottom of the order so the team can take more chances running when Youkilis or Pedroia are up rather than Ortiz and Manny. Crisp and Lugo could run the bases all day long from the bottom of the order, as if they were on the Dodgers or some other team that runs alot.

 

I think there are a lot of places this team/lineup can go and the only thing we're certain of is Ortiz/Manny at 3 and 4, and probably Drew at 5 if he's hired.

[example1]

You're damn right about Pedroia. I saw him in college and he was a helluva player there' date=' one of the best in the country, and Arizona State has one of the best programs in the country and plays a ballbreaker schedule. As I remember, Dustin cleaned up on that level. However, Ex, I still think the first time around as a full time regular in his first full season, start him at No. 9 and let's see how he progresses. No doubt in my mind he will be a good No. 2 hitter with a year or two. In fact, I think the guy can be a 300 hitter in the Majors. Why not? He has hit better than that everywhere he has played. I think a lot of people are selling this guy short.[/quote']

 

I'm not saying Pedroia should start the season at the 2 spot, but if he's hitting really well in June and does fine then I don't see any reason not to let him do it. Hitting in the 2 instead of the 9 hole is not like playing SS instead of 1B. If you have the baseline ability to get on base at a + level it doesn't matter if you're hitting 9 or 2. In both cases you'll see some pitches you can drive and you should be able to wait for a pitch you want.

 

The sox currently (including Drew) have 6 players who can potentially hit in the 2 hole: Pedroia, Crisp, Lugo, Youkilis, Varitek, and Drew. Lowell probably shouldn't, but he could, in theory.

[v2freak]

I see ideas of putting Youk and Lugo next to each other, but I question it's usefullness. If Lugo wants to steal bases, putting Youk behind him or in front of him won't help that much, IMO. Say Lugo bats in front of Youk and gets on base. Even if he steals second, Youk would probably just walk, and the steal would be negated. Now if we still had a contact hitter like Loretta, we could work a hit and run.

 

Now say we put Youk in front of Lugo. If Youk draws a walk and gets on base, Lugo won't be able to steal at all unless he gets a hit and moves Youk to third or home.

 

Here's my line up:

 

Youk

Lowell (would have been Nixon or Loretta...second best OBP)

Ortiz

Manny

Lugo

Varitek

Crisp

Pedroia

Drew

 

Say Youk and Lowell get on base. You got Ortiz up and Manny protecting him. If anything were to happen, Lugo would get full command to run the bases. Varitek doesn't walk a lot so you could possibly have a hit and run or just a steal. Then you have more speed and then a guy that hits line drives. Finally you got Drew protecting them if they get on base. That way we don't have a wicked weak bottom order.

[ANiMAL]

i still think that a Lugo/youk 1-2 combo would be good

 

putting the guy with the best OBP in front of ortiz is deadly

 

y doesnt anyone think youk is a good #2 hitter?