DISQUS

Brian · 2 years ago

I think with Drew in the leadoff you have to go out there with you best possible lineup for that day or week. Without Coco or Lugo doing it as the number 1, then the 3rd best option is Drew. (or Youk...could flip flop him and Drew)

Tom · 2 years ago

I agree with you on the Pujols thing. He should have been in there for Hudson, and *definitely* should have been in there in Rowand's spot, but he absolutely shouldn't have said anything.

I also agree on the leadoff situation. Drew needs to find his bat and start protecting Manny, and Lugo should be hitting in the top spot. I do like Pedroia in the two-hole, he's making contact and taking pitches, though I don't know his OBP offhand, and unless it would mess with Pedroia's average, you could pop Youk into the two-spot.

Assuming Crisp keeps hitting like he has been lately, Lugo gets hot (and stays that way), and Drew finds a comfort zone, the worst hitter in the lineup is Varitek, and you can rotate him through the 7-8-9 spots wherever it makes sense to put a switch hitter.

I think I like Lugo and Crisp hitting close to each other in the lineup, regardless. Both speedy guys on the basepaths at the same time make for a real threat, scoring both from first and second on a double, or even a well-hit single into one of the corners.

I'm undecided:
Lugo, Pedroia, Ortiz, Ramirez, Drew, Lowell, Youk, Varitek, Crisp
Lugo, Youk, Ortiz, Ramirez, Drew, Lowell, Crisp, Pedroia, Varitek

Anybody else?

s1c · 2 years ago

Drew is the right answer for the leadoff spot. Coco and Lugo are not doing it right now and having some one with an OBP in the 400's to set the table for Ortiz and Manny is the answer. Having speed at the bottom of the order doesn't hurt either, just look at the 2002 Angels!

Dave B · 2 years ago

Drew gets on base about 40% of the time. I don't know if you were complaining about Youks leading off last year, but if you weren't this is so stupid. Drew has much better speed to go along with that great OBP and plate disciple. If you get rid of his awful May, were he was so unlucky for proof look at his .210 BABIP for the month, he has been great. Hell, last month he was the teams best hitter. .368/.404/.558 is a great month. He is a #3 hitter. He is a man that get rack, but is mostly known for getting on. In the 3 seasons prior to this year he has 90 ABs in the 5th spot. He also only had 1 leading off. He had 764 ABs in the third hole. I see no reason why he would lead off or bat 5th. I also see no reason why if he fails he is a bust. Hate to tell you, but he does all the little things right. Scores from 2nd on a single, can go first to third, has the ability to hit and run. If Ichiro is worth $20 million, this sort of production for $14 million is not ridiculous.

John · 2 years ago

Yeah Manny had a good game last night, but he is not doing what a number 4 should be doing. With Coco somewhat back the line should be
Coco
Dustin
Youk
Papi
Manny
Drew
Lowell
Varitek
Lugo

Nashua · 2 years ago

Leadoff with J.D. Drew - Sounds like an oxymoron. Jumbo shrimp, a little pregnant, Baby Grand, Icy Hot, Nancy Drew leads off... The Overpriced Sox pushed it down your throats that 'Hamstring Drew' Is THE No. 5 hitter! I didn't say it, the Boston scribes didn't suggest it, Jack at the garage didn't even know it. The Overpriced Sox TOLD you that 'Injury in the Making Drew' Is the No. 5 hitter. Sold, Sealed, Packaged and Wrapped with a Bow, Drew is the (so called) "Protection" for Ramirez. What a Joke. And you Boston fanatics gladly swilled the front office (Theo-Lucchino) pablum dished to you on a rusty spoon. Feel foolish now? It's not Francona's fault that Theo and Larry have deranged fixations for minimal, sub-par players, yet he's done a fine job dealing/managing with the scrum the front office afflicts him with. One of the best managers in the AL. As far a Nancy Drew Leading Off, is that what he was brought here for? Expectations for J D were / are substantially higher,... Agreed?
Go ahead, let Nancy Drew bat first, keep that up and you'll never see what the front office Two Headed Monster was hoping you'd spend $400 for a seat for... Dumb, really dumb.