6)LF David Murphy
7)RF Marlon Byrd
8)C Gerald Laird
9)1B Ben Broussard

that seems somewhat enlightened. The whole lineup does actually.

Even Blalock/Bradley makes sense from lefty/righty standpoint and the idea that bradley might need some time to get acclimated before assuming the larger burden.

Personally, I won't believe it till I see it. Otherwise, good on ya Wash

EWWW

that lineup is ok against a righty, but not against a left hander that can pitch like bedard

Looking over Bedard's career numbers as well as last year's numbers, he doesn't have a greater advantage against left handers, in fact, last year...left handers faired better against him. Lefty's had an OPS of .696 while Righty's only managed a .594. Obviously, many of the weaker lefty's will sit against Bedard, as plate appearances for Left handers was far less than Righty's.

That being said, I don't think the lineup is what I'd throw out there. BB would be riding the bench, and JB (who hits lefty's at a much better clip) and flipping Hank and Bradley. Is Washington trying to give confidence early on to BB by keeping him in there? Looks like it

what an awful bottom of the order.

Let's hope he's matured enough to behave in that slot.

released, sigh of relief.

Calm down. Some may think it quaint or banal, but I think there's a certain respect that should be afforded a player, particularly when he's been given a promise by his manager, even at the cost of a single game.

I think Washington is being incredibly consistent here. He noted long ago that Broussard would start everyday until he proves he can't. I realize how many here feel about him, but if the club, and Broussard himself, feel that a significant factor in his lack of production is sporadic playing time, then they're absolutely making the right decision here, particularly when the backup (because that's what he is) has yet to prove very much in his limited appearances.

If Broussard flops, fine, but don't let it be caused or exacerbated solely by the fact that his backup, who barely made the team, is a fan favorite.

don't see why Melhuse was kept insted of Stewart. Stewart's defense is better and thats what the backups primary job is?

While this organization is not used to winning, we're also not used to having to bat our first basemen 9th. We've had a pretty good history of first basemen on this team, at least in my lifetime.

Please BB, give us something.

I imagine he'll catch on elsewhere.

I was wondering what had happened to Stewart, though. I'd have rather seen him called up last year than signing Melhuse. Not sure how much we needed/need his veteran leadership in a clubhouse absolutely stacked at catcher.

You know what's wierd? That's almost the exact same lineup I roll with on MLB '06: The Show. The only difference is, I have Milton Bradley in RF, and Botts at DH. And I platoon Byrd and Murphy.

Side by side:

Opening day / My PS2 Lineup

1. Kinsler / 1. Kinsler
2. Young / 2. Young
3. Hammy / 3. Hammy
4. Blalock / 4. Blalock
5. Bradley / 5. Bradley
6. Murphy / 6. Murphy
7. Byrd / 7. Botts
8. Laird / 8. Laird
9. Broussard / 9. Broussard

Ever since I had to take Salty off my active roster though, and play Laird at catcher, I haven't been getting much production out of the bottom of the lineup. Although Botts is hitting .347 (I'm only in mid-April in my season). But Laird and Broussard have been an offensive vacume for me so far. As I suspect they will be in real life.