Lineup Possibilities

Still cooling off from the Rolen trade, trying to look at it more rationally and wishing that Hee Sop Choi and Alex Cintron could have stayed out of Scott’s way. If that shoulder of his had never been damaged, I doubt we are having this conversation. Such is life, of course.

With Rolen gone and Glaus in, what will the lineup look like for next season?

Leadoff is still an issue. Right now, you probably figure the winner of the shortstop battle will get the job, even if none of them are really suited for it. Let’s say Brendan Ryan gets the majority of the starts. Could the lineup look like this to start the season?

Ryan Ankiel Pujols Glaus Duncan Molina Barton Kennedy Pitcher

What if Schumaker wins the outfield battle? Could he lead off?

Schumaker Ryan Pujols Duncan Glaus Ankiel Molina Kennedy Pitcher

Suppose Rasmus actually does earn his way on to the team. Do you lead him off or put him right in front of Pujols?

Ryan Rasmus Pujols Glaus Duncan Ankiel Molina Kennedy Pitcher

The offense might be a little better than we expected. Glaus should bring a powerful bat, even if it won’t be as consistent as we might like. If he stays healthy, though, he could provide protection for Pujols and possibly Duncan as well, depending on the gyrations of LaRussa.

Of course, trying to figure out a lineup for LaRussa to lose is as pointless as being a Cubs fan. The over/under for different lineups in 2008 is 122. Still, it’s interesting to consider.

2 Comments

2 Comments | Leave a comment

-M. | January 16, 2008 11:45 AM | Reply

I like Ryan a lot. But I don't believe he'll be on the Opening Day roster, much less in the lineup. I think bringing back Miles squeezes him out.

-M.

cardinal70 | January 16, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply

That's a good point. With Miles and Izturis not exactly easy to cut in the spring, Ryan may get sent down.

Which only exacerbates the leadoff problem and is the reason the about face on Miles wasn't the brightest idea.

Leave a comment

Name

Email Address

URL

Remember personal info?

Comments (You may use HTML tags for style)