Realistic lineup projections -- Can they score enough?

[moorecg]

Here is a lineup I think might be realistic...I'm sure there are others, are they enough to win, I'd like to see some other realistic lineups and not: ARod, Lee, Dunn...ect.

 

Here is what I came up with, I'll admit Theriot leading off is a question mark..

 

Theriot 2b

Soriano cf

Lee 1b

Ramirez 3b

Barrett c

Murton lf

Jones rf

Izturis ss

Pitcher

 

If Theriot can get on base, does this team score enough to win? If healthy I think its close. Thoughts, and what are the realistic options?

[Drew Doughty]

I'd bat Soriano lower, but he probably will lead off.

 

I think they're going to get Soriano and a Durham/Loretta-type to play 2B, personally. I would love that if they did because that means Izturis is batting near the bottom of the order.

[kente777]

Here is a lineup I think might be realistic...I'm sure there are others, are they enough to win, I'd like to see some other realistic lineups and not: ARod, Lee, Dunn...ect.

 

Here is what I came up with, I'll admit Theriot leading off is a question mark..

 

Theriot 2b

Soriano cf

Lee 1b

Ramirez 3b

Barrett c

Murton lf

Jones rf

Izturis ss

Pitcher

 

If Theriot can get on base, does this team score enough to win? If healthy I think its close. Thoughts, and what are the realistic options?

 

I think at this point, we have to consider the real possibility that Theriot will be bench/utility. I think he might need another year before he's ready to start everyday.

[moorecg]

Here is a lineup I think might be realistic...I'm sure there are others, are they enough to win, I'd like to see some other realistic lineups and not: ARod, Lee, Dunn...ect.

 

Here is what I came up with, I'll admit Theriot leading off is a question mark..

 

Theriot 2b

Soriano cf

Lee 1b

Ramirez 3b

Barrett c

Murton lf

Jones rf

Izturis ss

Pitcher

 

If Theriot can get on base, does this team score enough to win? If healthy I think its close. Thoughts, and what are the realistic options?

 

I think at this point, we have to consider the real possibility that Theriot will be bench/utility. I think he might need another year before he's ready to start everyday.

 

I won't argue that, I think he may need more seasoning, but outside of signing Loretta for 2 years, I liked the option of giving him the job.

[kente777]

Here is a lineup I think might be realistic...I'm sure there are others, are they enough to win, I'd like to see some other realistic lineups and not: ARod, Lee, Dunn...ect.

 

Here is what I came up with, I'll admit Theriot leading off is a question mark..

 

Theriot 2b

Soriano cf

Lee 1b

Ramirez 3b

Barrett c

Murton lf

Jones rf

Izturis ss

Pitcher

 

If Theriot can get on base, does this team score enough to win? If healthy I think its close. Thoughts, and what are the realistic options?

 

I think at this point, we have to consider the real possibility that Theriot will be bench/utility. I think he might need another year before he's ready to start everyday.

 

I won't argue that, I think he may need more seasoning, but outside of signing Loretta for 2 years, I liked the option of giving him the job.

 

You can't not look at his numbers and not consider him a starter possibility in ST.

[Drew Doughty]

Here is a lineup I think might be realistic...I'm sure there are others, are they enough to win, I'd like to see some other realistic lineups and not: ARod, Lee, Dunn...ect.

 

Here is what I came up with, I'll admit Theriot leading off is a question mark..

 

Theriot 2b

Soriano cf

Lee 1b

Ramirez 3b

Barrett c

Murton lf

Jones rf

Izturis ss

Pitcher

 

If Theriot can get on base, does this team score enough to win? If healthy I think its close. Thoughts, and what are the realistic options?

 

I think at this point, we have to consider the real possibility that Theriot will be bench/utility. I think he might need another year before he's ready to start everyday.

 

I won't argue that, I think he may need more seasoning, but outside of signing Loretta for 2 years, I liked the option of giving him the job.

 

You can't not look at his numbers and not consider him a starter possibility in ST.

 

His minor league numbers tell me he should never be a regular starter in the majors. However, if he was a stopgap and we end up with Soriano and another big bat in the outfield, I wouldn't be disappointed with him at second.

[Tracer Bullet]

Here is a lineup I think might be realistic...I'm sure there are others, are they enough to win, I'd like to see some other realistic lineups and not: ARod, Lee, Dunn...ect.

 

Here is what I came up with, I'll admit Theriot leading off is a question mark..

 

Theriot 2b

Soriano cf

Lee 1b

Ramirez 3b

Barrett c

Murton lf

Jones rf

Izturis ss

Pitcher

 

If Theriot can get on base, does this team score enough to win? If healthy I think its close. Thoughts, and what are the realistic options?

 

I think the suggestion in the other thread of JJ and prospect(s) for Burrell is realistic enough. Though I don't think giving Theriot a shot to win the job in ST is terrible. If he can get on base about .370, that's great.

 

Theriot

Murton

Lee

Burrell

Soriano

ARam

Barrett

Izturis

P

 

But I think Soriano will want to hit leadoff and Lou will probably allow that. If his OBP is at .350, ok. If it's .325 - yikes.

[TheDude]

You can definately win with that lineup (the first posted) if you're starting pitching is in the top of the NL. Add Schmidt and one more quality arm, and that lineup works.

[Soriano12]

If we sign Soriono I hope Piniella isn't dumb enough to bat him leadoff.

Unless he enjoys flushing RBI's down the toilet.

[TheDude]

If we sign Soriono I hope Piniella isn't dumb enough to bat him leadoff.

Unless he enjoys flushing RBI's down the toilet.

 

I don't know how many different threads this argument needs to span before it gets read, but this is a poor observation.

 

Please go and study Sorianos career splits and then reconsider your opinion. His best numbers are continually demonstrated at leadoff, with mediocre to poor numbers in the 3 and 5 hole (respective to what you want out of those slots).

 

The big-time flashy numbers that make Soriano attractive occur at leadoff, and it is easily his best lineup split for his career.

 

Sometimes a spade is a spade - Washington figured that out.

[moorecg]

You can definately win with that lineup (the first posted) if you're starting pitching is in the top of the NL. Add Schmidt and one more quality arm, and that lineup works.

 

Would Schmidt or Zito and Suppan Do the trick?

 

Zambrano

Schmidt/Zito

Hill

Suppan

Prior/Guzman/Marshall/Miller/Wood

[TheDude]

You can definately win with that lineup (the first posted) if you're starting pitching is in the top of the NL. Add Schmidt and one more quality arm, and that lineup works.

 

Would Schmidt or Zito and Suppan Do the trick?

 

Zambrano

Schmidt/Zito

Hill

Suppan

Prior/Guzman/Marshall/Miller/Wood

 

I don't have the answer beyond Schmidt. It's intriguing to see the Cubs are looking at several Japanese pitchers, and I'd wonder how any of them slot in at the 4 or 5 spot of the rotation.

 

But yes, beyond Schmidt, one more solid arm is necessary.

[Soriano12]

If we sign Soriono I hope Piniella isn't dumb enough to bat him leadoff.

Unless he enjoys flushing RBI's down the toilet.

 

I don't know how many different threads this argument needs to span before it gets read, but this is a poor observation.

 

Please go and study Sorianos career splits and then reconsider your opinion. His best numbers are continually demonstrated at leadoff, with mediocre to poor numbers in the 3 and 5 hole (respective to what you want out of those slots).

 

The big-time flashy numbers that make Soriano attractive occur at leadoff, and it is easily his best lineup split for his career.

 

Sometimes a spade is a spade - Washington figured that out.

 

Where did he bad in 2002 and 2003? Granted his best numbers occured this season but was that due to him batting leadoff, or just improving as a ballplayer?(or sadly a contract season)

 

I simply can't agree with putting that kind of RBI potential at leadoff.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

You seriously think Izturis will beat out ARod? Theriot being picked over Tejada at 2B had me laughing, then I got to SS.

[jtownie]

If we sign Soriono I hope Piniella isn't dumb enough to bat him leadoff.

Unless he enjoys flushing RBI's down the toilet.

 

I don't know how many different threads this argument needs to span before it gets read, but this is a poor observation.

 

Please go and study Sorianos career splits and then reconsider your opinion. His best numbers are continually demonstrated at leadoff, with mediocre to poor numbers in the 3 and 5 hole (respective to what you want out of those slots).

 

The big-time flashy numbers that make Soriano attractive occur at leadoff, and it is easily his best lineup split for his career.

 

Sometimes a spade is a spade - Washington figured that out.

 

Where did he bad in 2002 and 2003? Granted his best numbers occured this season but was that due to him batting leadoff, or just improving as a ballplayer?(or sadly a contract season)

 

I simply can't agree with putting that kind of RBI potential at leadoff.

 

 

Didn't BP produce a study that indicated your best hitters should be in the 1, 3 and 4 spots of the lineup? I know for sure that 1 and 3 were two of the spots but can't remember if the 4-spot is the 3rd. Having Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez in those 3 spots is exactly what should happen if that study has merit.

[CubColtPacer]

If we sign Soriono I hope Piniella isn't dumb enough to bat him leadoff.

Unless he enjoys flushing RBI's down the toilet.

 

I don't know how many different threads this argument needs to span before it gets read, but this is a poor observation.

 

Please go and study Sorianos career splits and then reconsider your opinion. His best numbers are continually demonstrated at leadoff, with mediocre to poor numbers in the 3 and 5 hole (respective to what you want out of those slots).

 

The big-time flashy numbers that make Soriano attractive occur at leadoff, and it is easily his best lineup split for his career.

 

Sometimes a spade is a spade - Washington figured that out.

 

Where did he bad in 2002 and 2003? Granted his best numbers occured this season but was that due to him batting leadoff, or just improving as a ballplayer?(or sadly a contract season)

 

I simply can't agree with putting that kind of RBI potential at leadoff.

 

In 2002 and 2003 Soriano was a leadoff hitter. In 2004, he batted 3rd. In 2005, it was mostly 5th, and in 2006 he was back to leadoff. Soriano certainly seems like somebody who a team would want to put in another spot in the lineup, but it appears like he is more comfortable at leadoff.

[Soriano12]

If we sign Soriono I hope Piniella isn't dumb enough to bat him leadoff.

Unless he enjoys flushing RBI's down the toilet.

 

I don't know how many different threads this argument needs to span before it gets read, but this is a poor observation.

 

Please go and study Sorianos career splits and then reconsider your opinion. His best numbers are continually demonstrated at leadoff, with mediocre to poor numbers in the 3 and 5 hole (respective to what you want out of those slots).

 

The big-time flashy numbers that make Soriano attractive occur at leadoff, and it is easily his best lineup split for his career.

 

Sometimes a spade is a spade - Washington figured that out.

 

Where did he bad in 2002 and 2003? Granted his best numbers occured this season but was that due to him batting leadoff, or just improving as a ballplayer?(or sadly a contract season)

 

I simply can't agree with putting that kind of RBI potential at leadoff.

 

In 2002 and 2003 Soriano was a leadoff hitter. In 2004, he batted 3rd. In 2005, it was mostly 5th, and in 2006 he was back to leadoff. Soriano certainly seems like somebody who a team would want to put in another spot in the lineup, but it appears like he is more comfortable at leadoff.

 

Wow..I did not know that(Johnny Carson)

Certainly the argument could be made to bat him leadoff, although its frustrating he can't produce like that lower in the order

[moorecg]

You seriously think Izturis will beat out ARod? Theriot being picked over Tejada at 2B had me laughing, then I got to SS.

 

??

[goonys evil twin]

You seriously think Izturis will beat out ARod? Theriot being picked over Tejada at 2B had me laughing, then I got to SS.

 

??

 

I think he was joking, saying that since the Cubs are obviously going to get Tejada and ARod, you shouldn't have Theriot and Izturis in the lineup.

[TheDude]

Wow..I did not know that(Johnny Carson)

Certainly the argument could be made to bat him leadoff, although its frustrating he can't produce like that lower in the order

 

Soriano's production seems to defy convention, which is an indication he is a hitter with comfort issues.

 

His worse years were in Texas, one of the best hitters' parks in baseball, in a line-up full of support in the way of good hitters. During these years he hit was placed, as convention dictates, in an RBI production role.

 

He moves to Washington, one of the worst hitters' parks in baseball, in a line-up with anemic support, and absolutely thrives. Back in the leadoff role, his numbers return to the Yankees years numbers, and even exceed.

 

It doesn't make any practical sense, and logically Soriano should be a run-producer. But his career numbers and production make it clear: regardless of the ballpark or the support around him, his best spot in the lineup for maximizing production is at leadoff.

 

Provided the team doesn't have a hole in the 3-4-5 spots (and the Cubs would be just fine with Lee, Ramirez, Barret), there isn't any real reason to force Soriano into a run-production role. If the Cubs pursue him, it's likely in his comfort zone role at leadoff IMO.

[CubFanPhilly]

I think at this point, we have to consider the real possibility that Theriot will be bench/utility. I think he might need another year before he's ready to start everyday.

 

The first time Izturis goes on the 15-day DL Theriot replaces him and we never look back XXfingersXX

[David]

I think at this point, we have to consider the real possibility that Theriot will be bench/utility. I think he might need another year before he's ready to start everyday.

 

The first time Izturis goes on the 15-day DL Theriot replaces him and we never look back XXfingersXX

 

Niether one of these guys is in the starting lineup on next year's team XXfingersXX.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

You seriously think Izturis will beat out ARod? Theriot being picked over Tejada at 2B had me laughing, then I got to SS.

 

??

 

I think he was joking, saying that since the Cubs are obviously going to get Tejada and ARod, you shouldn't have Theriot and Izturis in the lineup.

 

Yes, what he said.

[Fro]

I think we'll be fine, assuming we get a big bat/ace pitcher, plus another good bat and a innings-eater.

 

Just getting rid of Dusty's mismanagement of the lineup + healthy Lee easily should make us a .500 team alone.

[BigbadB]

Wow..I did not know that(Johnny Carson)

Certainly the argument could be made to bat him leadoff, although its frustrating he can't produce like that lower in the order

 

Soriano's production seems to defy convention, which is an indication he is a hitter with comfort issues.

 

His worse years were in Texas, one of the best hitters' parks in baseball, in a line-up full of support in the way of good hitters. During these years he hit was placed, as convention dictates, in an RBI production role.

 

He moves to Washington, one of the worst hitters' parks in baseball, in a line-up with anemic support, and absolutely thrives. Back in the leadoff role, his numbers return to the Yankees years numbers, and even exceed.

 

It doesn't make any practical sense, and logically Soriano should be a run-producer. But his career numbers and production make it clear: regardless of the ballpark or the support around him, his best spot in the lineup for maximizing production is at leadoff.

 

Provided the team doesn't have a hole in the 3-4-5 spots (and the Cubs would be just fine with Lee, Ramirez, Barret), there isn't any real reason to force Soriano into a run-production role. If the Cubs pursue him, it's likely in his comfort zone role at leadoff IMO.

 

I have to agree with this. While some RBI's are lost in his first at bat, and potentially for the rest of his at bats if you have poor OBP in the 7 and 8 spots (excluding the pitcher's spot), at least he's getting the most at bats, something Juan Pierre never should have received, IMO.

 

Mark Bellhorn seemed to excel at the top of the order. Dusty tried to make him an RBI guy, and he struggled mightily. Bellhorn is not nearly the player Soriano is, but it's another example of a guy who seemed to need a certain spot in the line up to do his thing.

 

If Soriano's OBP stays where it was this year, I have zero issues with him hitting lead off for the Cubs.

 

By the way, Soriano had nearly 3 times as many RBI's as Pierre did this year. 81 of his 95 RBI's came while he was a lead off hitter.

 

Now all the Cubs need to do is find respectable OBP guys to balance out the bottom half of the order and give Soriano some guys to drive in.