Eric Wedge proves once again that managers have no idea how to construct a lineup

[FedEx227]

Why is Ichiro not batting leadoff? Thats where he's spent the majority of his career?

Just because it's what he's done doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Very low amount of pitchers per plate appearance and a very disgusting OBP last season.

He may have the skillset of a leadoff hitter, but he's really not a great one.

[Tengo Juego]

Now we get to see that 30 HR power by Ichiro ;)

Ah, the great tales of Ichiro.

[Bomberooski]

I really really am not a fan of Figgins. I hate that he may be our best option...

We're a real bad baseball team

[Slateman]

Just because it's what he's done doesn't mean it's a good idea.

Very low amount of pitchers per plate appearance and a very disgusting OBP last season.

He may have the skillset of a leadoff hitter, but he's really not a great one.

Is last year's performance the expectation? Are we, essentially, saying that age has caught up to Ichiro and he is in decline?

[Bomberooski]

Is last year's performance the expectation? Are we, essentially, saying that age has caught up to Ichiro and he is in decline?

Oh absolutely!

[Slateman]

Oh absolutely!

Then you bat him 9th. Figgins was hurt last year. If he shows that he is healthy like in 2010, then his OBP and walk rate are good enough to bat leadoff. Or second. It doesn't really matter. Only reason I would take Figgins over Ackley in the lead off is that Ackley has a little more power. A double in the gap should score Figgins. Ackley is more likely to produce said double in the gap than Figgins.

Figgins
Ackley
Montero
Smoak

And yea, its bad. Sorry, just the way it is.

Bet you wish you had Mike Morse :D

[Warner2BruceTD]

This isnt a video game. You cant take a team icon and future Hall of Famer and tell him he's batting 9th after one mediocre season. He deserves the benefit of the doubt to see if it was mearly a down season, or if this really is the end of the line creeping up.

[FedEx227]

Especially if you're going to reward Figgins with a more premium spot in the lineup.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Exactly, its not like they acquired Rickey Henderson. Might as well just leave Ichiro in that spot if thw alternative is Figgins.

[Slateman]

This isnt a video game. You cant take a team icon and future Hall of Famer and tell him he's batting 9th after one mediocre season. He deserves the benefit of the doubt to see if it was mearly a down season, or if this really is the end of the line creeping up.

I don't disagree. But the condition was that Ichiro is, essentially, done. His OBP (by far his most valuable commodity) dropped almost 50 points. He doesn't get walks. He doesn't hit for power. His hits went down. His speed was the way he got on base. He's losing his speed.

Maybe it's not a video game, but it shouldn't be a matter of solely appealing to a fan base. If he continues to decline, he'll be hitting somewhere at .250-.260/.280-.300. You simply can't have a guy like that at the top of your order and expect to compete.

Obviously, it's dependent on spring training. If he's showing 2010 form, then by all means, hit him at the top of the order. But if he's continuing to decline, should he really be a number 1 or 2 hitter?

[FedEx227]

Exactly, its not like they acquired Rickey Henderson. Might as well just leave Ichiro in that spot if thw alternative is Figgins.

I wouldn't leave Ichiro there honestly. I like the idea of Ackley there or a higher P/PA guy. Ichiro is not a great leadoff hitter and his skills could get more use at a different spot in the lineup.

[Warner2BruceTD]

Despite the fact he is declining, the team lacks better options. Proof of that is the guy replacing him at leadoff.

Again, i'd bat him second. Smoak or whoever third, and Figgins 8 or 9.

[Slateman]

Then who bats leadoff?

[FedEx227]

Yes, that's what I was saying. Ichiro to 2nd would be ideal for his skill set and his ability to make contact. in fact he's basically a prototypical 2 hitter.

[FirstTimer]

Yes, that's what I was saying. Ichiro to 2nd would be ideal for his skill set and his ability to make contact. in fact he's basically a prototypical 2 hitter.

Disagree. If anything watching basbeall movies has taught me it's this:

1: Black CF. Fast.
2: Grindy white guy
3: Veteren with bad knees but "knows how to play"
4: Roided overweight white guy. Patchy facial hair, tobacco chewer. Scowels.
5: Can't hit for average. But when he connects. Always a HR. Think Glen Allen Hill or Wily Mo Pena
6-9. Never bat.