Batting order doesn't really matter. The fact that he's playing just about every day kind of negates the notion that he's been "jettisoned" in any way shape or form. this is good to know because all this years we have complained about our leadoff guy, and made fun of managers that wanted to put Soriano there, all along it really never mattered. I know you are just jumping in halfway through, so please understand..I have not said anything about anyone being better. I only wondered why it seems that Barney is getting moved out. Instead of ridicule, a great answer may have been- They see Barney as an 8 hole hitter in the future on hopefully a much better team. OK, that would make sense. My question was why is he sent to 8th, when other players are doing far worse than Barney has done. I also wondered why he has been out of the lineup now 6 times over the last 19 games despite his stat line going up. To me it seems like they are working to replace him. I can certainly think of many other spots that seem to be much more glaring weakness comparatively. He's been out of the lineup 5 times over the last 19 games. He's been out of the lineup 7 times all freaking year, and he's Darwin Barney.