Line Up Changes

[soxfan17881]

OK, it's hard to argue that shaking up the line up has made for some offensive improvement. But I'm confused about the Ellsbury thing. He comes off a nice little hitting streak of 20-some games. He's batting over .300 and is, as always, a threat when on base. So how does Tito come up with going from lead-off to 8th.

 

I am not a guru. I just thought it was a bit odd at this particular point and I wanted to get some thoughts from you all.

[Dipre]

.338 OBP is not adequate for a lead-off hitter.

 

However, his hitting 8th seems odd to me as well, seeing as the Ellsbury-Pedroia 9-1 tandem seems like it would be much more productive.

[Cocos Disciples]

I'd rather have him 9th. As DipreG said, his OBP doesn't translate to leadoff hitter at all.

[BoSox21]

I'd put Ellsbury 7th, Ortiz 8th and Green 9th. Ellsbury deserves more at-bats than he'd get batting 9th and him getting on in front of Ortiz could cause pitchers to make more mistakes with David. And Green is a pretty solid 9th batter and gets on base enough that the top of the order could drive him in pretty often.

[BSN07]

Jacoby goes from an average to below average lead off hitter, to a dangerous #8 hitter.

 

I like Bosox idea of hitting him in front of Ortiz. And agree Jacoby's OBP is not adequate for a lead off hitter.

 

It's not all his fault though.. It's not like he's undisciplined, he isn't. But his speed reputation causes pitchers to come after him. Not wanting to give up the free pass. If he is going to get on base, he will have to hit his way on.

[Cocos Disciples]

But for a bit, he walked a lot. I think it was early in 2008, his OBP was around 100 points higher than his BA.

 

EDIT: On this date in 2008, his BA was .284 and his OBP was .382.

[BSN07]

But for a bit, he walked a lot. I think it was early in 2008, his OBP was around 100 points higher than his BA.

 

EDIT: On this date in 2008, his BA was .284 and his OBP was .382.

 

Yes but as soon as everyone got a scouting report on him, and saw all the bases he was stealing, the approach changed.

[TheKilo]

He'll be back in the leadoff spot when he gets on - no pitcher is going to pitch around him when Pedroia or Drew is on deck, but they just might if it's Green or Lugo.