Cubs #2 spot in the lineup

[downsr30]

I would very interested to see what Russell could do in the 2 hole in front of Rizzo and Bryant - it could excel his approach. He's already a good player but I think putting a young player like him with a good approach in the 2 spot could really make his development come quick.

 

Another scenario would be Castro - he's a great hit and run guy since he doesn't strikeout (or walk) much and hits a ton of ground balls. Your #2 hitter will get more fastballs obviously hitting in front of your best hitter.

 

Either one of these scenarios would force the Cubs to go with the traditional hit the pitcher 9th or have someone else hit 9th instead of Russell. Hitting Rizzo/Bryant 3 and 4 would take away from the logic of getting the 9 hole guy on base in front of them however. I do like the idea of hitting either Russell or Castro 2nd though. Thoughts?

 

 

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[jersey cubs fan]

I don't really buy into the notion that putting either of these guys there having a positive effect on their personal development.

[schroederkevin94]

I think Castro would be a good fit at the number 2 sport for the reasons you just said. He makes contact and will give you a little bit of speed for Rizzo and Bryant.

[Guest]

i think the lineups are fine the way they are aside from the bad players who have been playing lately.

[rawaction]

Eh. I like Bryant/Rizzo 2-3 because they are the 2 best hitters and are both guaranteed to get an AB in the 1st inning. Leading off with either in the 2nd, probably doesn't have much long-term effect on runs scored (especially since 40% of the time the other will be on base or have scored) but I'd rather not have that happen. That being said, I wouldn't complain about Russell hitting 2nd if he or Fowler really start to heat up.

 

If Castro's contact ability makes him a good option to hit 2nd because of having the leadoff man on base, then why wouldn't it be a good option to hit him behind Rizzo and Bryant, who get on base more than anyone?

[sneakypower]

Eh. I like Bryant/Rizzo 2-3 because they are the 2 best hitters and are both guaranteed to get an AB in the 1st inning.

i'm not entirely sure we've scored a first inning run since May