Fukudome Could Hit Second When Soriano Returns

[Tyrant]

Won't this reduce the RBI opportunities for Soto?

 

I don't think that should be a concern to anyone.

[CubinNY]

Link.

 

Manager Lou Piniella said he likes how Kosuke Fukudome has handled the leadoff spot since moving from the 5 hole to fill in for injured Alfonso Soriano. He said he might put Fukudome at No. 2 when Soriano returns.

 

''When we get Soriano back, we'll put Soriano back in the leadoff spot and Fukudome can hit either 2 or 5,'' Piniella said. ''But I feel very comfortable with him in the leadoff spot. He's doing a really nice job. He'll have a high on-base percentage, he'll see a lot of pitches, and I think if he stayed there for a long period of time, you'd see him running more.''

Lou is hard headed but not dumb. This move should have been made after Spring Training.

[Mizzou]

Theriot is an ideal 8-hitter. When he gets on base, it's likely a single or walk, so he is on first. This allows the weak hitting pitchers an easy sacrifice opportunity, or you might see Theriot swipe second to get in scoring position for someone like Zambrano who can actually drive him in.

 

Plus you have a high OBP somewhat in front Soriano.

Great points.

 

Theriot has been getting on base at a great clip this year, so I wasn't going to be a moron and complain about him hitting at the top of the order. But Fukudome is much more ideal batting second, and you're spot on regarding him batting 8th.

[Brett]

I wouldn't hate to see Fukudome stay in the lead off with Soriano hitting 2nd. That's assuming Soriano has to be near the top of the lineup for some as-of-yet-unstatistically-proven reason.

[erik316wttn]

About damn time.

Now if only we could get Soto hitting in front of Edmonds...

One of the things I heard Lou talking about (could have been during the in-game interview, but not sure) was that he likes having a lefty hitting 5th behind Ramirez. Fuku batting second means Edmonds will remain fifth.

 

As long as he keeps hitting I'm ok with that.

 

Geez, never thought I'd say I was ok with Jim Edmonds in the lineup. What is this world coming to?