Go back to what worked earlier.

[dustcover]

With a 10-16 record in June, maybe it's time to go back to what worked so well at the beginning of the season when the Sox offense was explosive. For openers with Brock back in the lineup, put Bradley back to batting 9th. Comments???

[Spudboy]

With a 10-16 record in June, maybe it's time to go back to what worked so well at the beginning of the season when the Sox offense was explosive. For openers with Brock back in the lineup, put Bradley back to batting 9th. Comments???

 

I've been wanting Bradley back in the nine hole for several weeks.

[Bellhorn04]

When Bradley was red hot and still in the 9 hole a lot of fans were complaining about not moving him up in the order. Sometimes you can't win with this stuff.

[Dojji]

There was nothing magical about that previous batting order. We did well because we had all pistons firing and the pitching was at least adequate. Now the pitching is struggling badly and some of our hitters are slumping. It's as simple as that. A shakeup of the lineup wouldn't be a terrible idea if it could help get some of our hitters out of the ruts they're in, but other than that, I can't see it making a huge difference. We need to find a way to get the rotation going

[mvp 78]

What worked earlier in the season was scoring more runs than the other team. They should start doing that again.

[a700hitter]

What worked earlier in the season was scoring more runs than the other team. They should start doing that again.

It is a sure fire recipe for success.

[jacksonianmarch]

You can't predict when 8 of your hitters go on hot streaks and you can't time them to happen at the same time

[moonslav59]

1) Holt's .747 April OPS was not a big key to our early success. Besides, asking for Holt to continue at even .747 all year goes against his norm.

2) Young's .935 May and .903 June blew Holt's April away.

3) I don't see how having two of our best 3 SLG% guys up 9th and 1st helps anything.

4) JBJ's OPS batting 9th 1.025 is not much better than ...

7th 1.083 (not even better!)

8th 1.000

6th .950

JBJ only has 30 PAs batting 5th (.600 OPS), so I doubt that's the reason we've sucked in June. (BTW, JBJ had an .805 June OPS, which is one of the team's best during that month.)

 

[dustcover]

1) Holt's .747 April OPS was not a big key to our early success. Besides, asking for Holt to continue at even .747 all year goes against his norm.

2) Young's .935 May and .903 June blew Holt's April away.

3) I don't see how having two of our best 3 SLG% guys up 9th and 1st helps anything.

4) JBJ's OPS batting 9th 1.025 is not much better than ...

7th 1.083 (not even better!)

8th 1.000

6th .950

JBJ only has 30 PAs batting 5th (.600 OPS), so I doubt that's the reason we've sucked in June. (BTW, JBJ had an .805 June OPS, which is one of the team's best during that month.)

 

 

I can't dispute any of your stats, but sometimes it just comes down to 'chemistry' and inspirational plays by teammates. For example, I'm certain his teammates were further inspired when Brock Holt turned a sure double into a miraculous throw-out at 2nd base, besides his multi-hit game just coming off the DL with concussion problems. And I further submit that when the offense is clicking and giving pitchers run support it alters their approach as to how they manage the game from the mound. So getting back to Bradley batting 9th, there is more to it than his stats. Having a quality bat with speed at the bottom of the lineup provides two lead off quality hitters back to back throughout the game and drastically changes the complexion of the lineup for opposing pitchers.

 

So although I can't guarantee success, after going 10-16 for a month on the heels of a very successful two-month stretch, I'm still of a mind that reverting to the earlier batting order might well reignite the team's offense and possibly alter the pitchers' landscape in a positive way.

 

[moonslav59]

I can't dispute any of your stats, but sometimes it just comes down to 'chemistry' and inspirational plays by teammates. For example, I'm certain his teammates were further inspired when Brock Holt turned a sure double into a miraculous throw-out at 2nd base, besides his multi-hit game just coming off the DL with concussion problems. And I further submit that when the offense is clicking and giving pitchers run support it alters their approach as to how they manage the game from the mound. So getting back to Bradley batting 9th, there is more to it than his stats. Having a quality bat with speed at the bottom of the lineup provides two lead off quality hitters back to back throughout the game and drastically changes the complexion of the lineup for opposing pitchers.

 

So although I can't guarantee success, after going 10-16 for a month on the heels of a very successful two-month stretch, I'm still of a mind that reverting to the earlier batting order might well reignite the team's offense and possibly alter the pitchers' landscape in a positive way.

 

 

I don't think Holy has any magical "chemistry" powers.

 

I think relying on him in a FT role is asking for trouble.

 

I would never think about moving our 2nd best OPS and SLG player to the 9 slot, just because we won a few more games back when he batted 9th.

 

It's like betting the house on heads because heads have won 5 straight times.

[sk7326]

With a 10-16 record in June, maybe it's time to go back to what worked so well at the beginning of the season when the Sox offense was explosive. For openers with Brock back in the lineup, put Bradley back to batting 9th. Comments???

 

They allowed 142 runs in the 26 games ... an 885 run pace which is more runs than any ML team in the United States scored last season, and more than any ML team - at any elevation - allowed. It ain't the lineup.

[oldtimer]

Having Leon and or Hannigan now catching and Holt back gives us a lineup without a break for the opposing pitching. It would be beneficial to have another outfielder available so that Holt could sub for some of our infielders and get them a rest when needed. We have an option for an outfielder in Benentendi, but so far have chosen not to go in that direction.

 

With a relentless lineup and good defense, it still is all about our pitching. Buch and Kelly in the bullpen? Sounds like a reasonable move. A 4th or 5th starter? Has to be a trade or FA as our minor league isn't producing much. ERod will likely develop into a starter, but it may take another year and more confidence with his 3rd and 4th pitches.

[Youk Of The Nation]

I don't think Holy has any magical "chemistry" powers.

 

I think relying on him in a FT role is asking for trouble.

 

I would never think about moving our 2nd best OPS and SLG player to the 9 slot, just because we won a few more games back when he batted 9th.

 

It's like betting the house on heads because heads have won 5 straight times.

 

I agree, you always chase tails. Uh, I mean, choose.

[southpaw777]

You cant expect them to duplicate what worked earlier. Players go into slumps, get hurt, and pitchers (at least this staff) have been under performing as a whole.

JBJ moving to the 9hole isnt going to do anything to change things except give him one less AB per game, and I dont want that.

What needs to happen is Price pitch like an Ace, the bullpen be consistent, and maybe find another solid starter. Internally or externally. And maybe the Manager can stop making head scratching moves. Its certainly not helping.