Thursday, October 11, 2012

Proposed Lineup For Game 4

I know everybody is still buzzing over Raul Ibanez's performance last night, but I think it's clouding some minds. We have to remember that he's only hit .197/.246/.246 this season against left-handed pitchers. I know he's hot, and he hit the walk-off against a good LHP last night, but I wouldn't start him tonight.

The first reason is Jeter should DH. His foot is clearly bothering him, so getting a day off from the field could help him get better for Game 5 or the ALCS. I don't think it'll be fully healed the rest of the postseason, but a little help would still be prudent.

Nor should ARod sit. Trust me, I know how bad he's been lately, but I think last night could have been a big wake-up call. Not that he should have needed it, but sometimes a player or team needs a kick in the butt to get back into gear... no matter how good they are or should be. Alex has hit LHP to the tune of .308/.410/.514 this season, so this may be the game that turns things around.

And Eduardo Nunez has hit .360/.400/.460 against LHP this season, so now's as good a time as any to give Jeter a half day's rest.

I'd rather Alex was the DH today, but since Chavez just can't hit lefties (.152/.231/.152 this season), and Nunez has limited time at 3B, we don't really have a good choice.

So here's my proposed lineup for Game 4...

Derek Jeter - DH
Ichiro Suzuki - LF
Robinson Cano - 2B
Alex Rodriguez - 3B
Russell Martin - C
Nick Swisher - RF
Mark Teixeira - 1B
Curtis Granderson - CF
Eduardo Nunez - SS

2 comments:

  1. Note, I wouldn't be surprised if Girardi keeps ARod at #3 and Cano at #4, in order to keep the L-R-L-R thing going. I don't think it makes that big a difference, but Joe's not one to go against "The Binder".

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  2. I was close. I didn't think Nix would start against a lefty, but Girardi thought otherwise. And the order was different, as I don't trust Teixeira like Joe does either.

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)