Because I Can

Frank Robinson, showing his ability to create a lineup, has decided that Alfonso Soriano should bat leadoff, and he has Jose Vidro hitting third. Now, I can understand that Soriano has a speed advantage, but this just doesn't work. Soriano is an annual candidate for the 30-30 club, but he's also an annual member of the 100-strikeout club. You always want the leadoff man to be able to do what Grady Little calls "that Oakland thing." Soriano has improved in plate discipline, but he still has 42 strikeouts on the year to a mere 15 walks. Soriano also has 16 home runs on the season. Jose Vidro, the Nats' second baseman, is hitting .347 with a .407 OBP, with 18 walks to 20 strikeouts, and 4 home runs on the season. Soriano and Johnson batting 3 and 4 - both players have double digit home runs 48 games into the season - would solidify the lineup more. In addition, Marlon Byrd and his .330 slugging percentage were sitting in 6th today in the lineup, as Ryan Zimmerman, who went 2-3 today, is slugging .441. In creating a lineup, you want someone who gets on base at the top, then you want someone to at least move him in #2, then power in at least 3-5, and Soriano, Johnson, Guillen are a good trio for that. Players around that core provide protection.

Sure the Nationals won today, but Andy Pettite is having a terrible start to his season, which was typified by the fact that he only lasted 3 innings. Tony Armas is pitching effectively, but not efficiently, as he can't go deep into games because of his pitch count. But Soriano had an outfield assist.

Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to watching the first game of the Dodgers sweep of the Nationals.

Labels: Nationals