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Mingo
Well-Known Member
I think this is a very interesting question for Renteria to figure out. Robert is the best leadoff prospect and is a sure bet to excel at this game and that spot in the batting order. Conventional wisdom - however, would dictate that Robert bat lower in the lineup until he gets major league acclimated - that putting him in CF and leadoff would put too much pressure on Robert - and potentially retard his development or destroy his confidence.
I would argue that conventional wisdom is pretty good, but it would depend on my evaluation of whether Robert can handle leadoff or not - that perhaps he gets better at leadoff - faster by starting right away.
The expectation is Robert will start the season lower in the batting order perhaps hit 8 or 9th. This brings up the question - who would bat leadoff early in the season. I expect the candidates are:
Leury Garcia (if he's playing) - poor on base percentage
Tim Anderson - poor on base percentage
Yoan Moncada - stretch his legs
Personally - I'd bat Moncada at leadoff in this case. Moncada has an almost scary desire to be a better ball player. Last year - he exceeded the production I would have expected from Machado and just kept getting better fielding 3rd base. I'd love to see Moncada challenged in that fashion.
Actually - if Tim Anderson was able to be more selective as a hitter -he would be a sensational leadoff hitter - so put the new hitting coach to work - as the last one got fired for making him the Al batting champ.
I would argue that conventional wisdom is pretty good, but it would depend on my evaluation of whether Robert can handle leadoff or not - that perhaps he gets better at leadoff - faster by starting right away.
The expectation is Robert will start the season lower in the batting order perhaps hit 8 or 9th. This brings up the question - who would bat leadoff early in the season. I expect the candidates are:
Leury Garcia (if he's playing) - poor on base percentage
Tim Anderson - poor on base percentage
Yoan Moncada - stretch his legs
Personally - I'd bat Moncada at leadoff in this case. Moncada has an almost scary desire to be a better ball player. Last year - he exceeded the production I would have expected from Machado and just kept getting better fielding 3rd base. I'd love to see Moncada challenged in that fashion.
Actually - if Tim Anderson was able to be more selective as a hitter -he would be a sensational leadoff hitter - so put the new hitting coach to work - as the last one got fired for making him the Al batting champ.