NorthSideSox72 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Someone made some posts earlier, which of course I can't find now, about the idea of AJ leading off. Seems like a crazy idea at first, but, give this some thought. I'm starting to think its not a bad idea. Here's why... AJ has the 2nd highest OBP on the team, and the highest average. He's now hitting the ball to all fields, and, amazingly, taking some pitches and extending counts. He's also far and away the team leader in doubles, which is fantastic for a leadoff guy. He's no speed demon, but honestly, he's faster than half the lineup as it stands right now (his weight loss seems to have helped), and he's not afraid to take some chances on the paths. Plus he has fewer strikeouts than any starter on the team. I'm honestly having a hard time finding a reason why it would be bad, other than his lack of speed. Can anyone else give me another real reason? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthSideSox72 Posted May 14, 2008 Author Share Posted May 14, 2008 What about this lineup... AJP, C CQ, LF JD, RF Thome, DH PK, 1B Swish, CF Crede, 3B Uribe, 2B O-Cab, SS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9347 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 (edited) QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 14, 2008 -> 03:11 PM) What about this lineup... AJP, C CQ, LF JD, RF Thome, DH PK, 1B Swish, CF Crede, 3B Uribe, 2B O-Cab, SS Just one tweak AJP, C O-Cab, SS CQ, LF JD, RF Thome, DH PK, 1B Swish, CF Crede, 3B Uribe, 2B Let CQ bust loose in the 3rd spot. O-Cab, as much as he's sucked huge ass thus far, is still the best bet for the #2 spot, and putting him back there makes the most sense... he's never been a good leadoff hitter. Edited May 14, 2008 by Steve9347 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letsgoarow Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Why not!! I like OC in the 9 hole because of my deep hatred for him lol..... Just think though guys if we win the next 2 ( very possible with Lackey's first start off the dl, and Judy Garland may get crushed) we would be up on a tough west coast trip so far... Im gonna start thinking positive again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swingandalongonetoleft Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 It makes me sad when just a few weeks into the season we're discussing Pierzynski leading off for the team. Never would have thought this coming into the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Steve/NS It obviously isn't ideal to have a slow catcher leading off, especially one who isn't known to draw many walks. However, I actually really like the idea because I think leading off will have essentially the opposite effect it had on Swisher. Swisher is the type of hitter that needs to drive the ball and is most effective when doing so. As a leadoff hitter he became less willing to do such because he really changed his standard approach. However, AJ tends to be most effective when he is actually trying to just get a single and when he slumps it is because he gets too power happy so sticking him in the leadoff spot will force him to spray the ball to all fields (which is a strenght of AJ's) and could very well enable him to post career numbers in both average and obp. I like the idea of CQ in the 3 spot and OC in the two hole as well. I also would have no issue with Dye in the 3 spot, Thome 4, CQ 5, Paulie 6, Swisher, Crede, etc. As far as I'm concerned as long as CQ/Dye are raking they should be in the 3/5 spots of the order with Thome in between them and Konerko providing protection. Paulie should still get good pitches with Swish behind him as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9347 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ May 14, 2008 -> 03:23 PM) Steve/NS It obviously isn't ideal to have a slow catcher leading off, especially one who isn't known to draw many walks. However, I actually really like the idea because I think leading off will have essentially the opposite effect it had on Swisher. Swisher is the type of hitter that needs to drive the ball and is most effective when doing so. As a leadoff hitter he became less willing to do such because he really changed his standard approach. However, AJ tends to be most effective when he is actually trying to just get a single and when he slumps it is because he gets too power happy so sticking him in the leadoff spot will force him to spray the ball to all fields (which is a strenght of AJ's) and could very well enable him to post career numbers in both average and obp. I like the idea of CQ in the 3 spot and OC in the two hole as well. I also would have no issue with Dye in the 3 spot, Thome 4, CQ 5, Paulie 6, Swisher, Crede, etc. As far as I'm concerned as long as CQ/Dye are raking they should be in the 3/5 spots of the order with Thome in between them and Konerko providing protection. Paulie should still get good pitches with Swish behind him as well. That's the first thing I thought when I read this... let's get the AJP who used to hit .300 with doubles and didn't worry about power. It could force him to become the better AJP again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilJester99 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 What's the odds Ozzie would do something like this though? I'd say not very good. He doesn't even want to move Thome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RME JICO Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 It makes sense, but that is the problem. Logic doesn't seem to always apply to Sox lineups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthSideSox72 Posted May 14, 2008 Author Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (Steve9347 @ May 14, 2008 -> 02:30 PM) That's the first thing I thought when I read this... let's get the AJP who used to hit .300 with doubles and didn't worry about power. It could force him to become the better AJP again. My point was, look at his performance this year - he already IS the better AJ again. Being the leadoff spot would just reinforce it, as has been alluded to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9347 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 14, 2008 -> 03:41 PM) My point was, look at his performance this year - he already IS the better AJ again. Being the leadoff spot would just reinforce it, as has been alluded to. Yeah, it's a brilliant idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVSoxFan Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Part of me likes the idea and part of me thinks we're simply re-arranging the deck chairs... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwolf68 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 I hate the idea of putting slow-footed players in the leadoff spot. I'd rather have a guy who can keep us out of double plays and maybe get into scoring position before the first out is recorded. AJP does none of that. Putting him in the leadoff should quickly be followed by having a midget wearing shorts hit 2nd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve9347 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (kwolf68 @ May 14, 2008 -> 03:54 PM) I hate the idea of putting slow-footed players in the leadoff spot. I'd rather have a guy who can keep us out of double plays and maybe get into scoring position before the first out is recorded. AJP does none of that. Putting him in the leadoff should quickly be followed by having a midget wearing shorts hit 2nd. But he does get hits. No one else on our team does that. You can't steal first base... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letsgoarow Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (Steve9347 @ May 14, 2008 -> 08:58 PM) But he does get hits. No one else on our team does that. You can't steal first base... I agree. I guess OC is good at staying out of double plays because he is never on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joejoesox Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 (edited) QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ May 14, 2008 -> 02:10 PM) Someone made some posts earlier, which of course I can't find now, about the idea of AJ leading off. Seems like a crazy idea at first, but, give this some thought. I'm starting to think its not a bad idea. Here's why... AJ has the 2nd highest OBP on the team, and the highest average. He's now hitting the ball to all fields, and, amazingly, taking some pitches and extending counts. He's also far and away the team leader in doubles, which is fantastic for a leadoff guy. He's no speed demon, but honestly, he's faster than half the lineup as it stands right now (his weight loss seems to have helped), and he's not afraid to take some chances on the paths. Plus he has fewer strikeouts than any starter on the team. I'm honestly having a hard time finding a reason why it would be bad, other than his lack of speed. Can anyone else give me another real reason? it was me who posted this in another thread, and it was mostly laughed away, i even explained every single hitter's position in the lineup too then someone else comes along and posts it and everyone thinks it's a great idea lol edit: here's my post on the idea of AJ leading off http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...p;#entry1637091 Edited May 14, 2008 by joesaiditstrue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthSideSox72 Posted May 14, 2008 Author Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (joesaiditstrue @ May 14, 2008 -> 04:00 PM) it was me who posted this in another thread, and it was mostly laughed away, i even explained every single hitter's position in the lineup too then someone else comes along and posts it and everyone thinks it's a great idea lol edit: here's my post on the idea of AJ leading off http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...p;#entry1637091 Glad you found it - I think its a solid idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Seems to me the priority should be get on base stay out of a double play have some speed to possible steal second or grab that extra base. Make the pitcher think when you are over there. Call for more fast balls, etc. Now of all the managers in the MLB, who would be most likely to make what would seem like a stupid baseball decision and go from his gut? Ozzie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanne Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 How bout this...based on AJ 1st...and sitting Paulie's ass on the bench for a bit. Paulie can DH against lefties...and Thome righties. AJP, C O-Cab, SS CQ, LF JD, RF Thome, DH Swish, 1B Crede, 3B BA, CF Uribe, 2B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsideirish71 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 I would like to see CQ in the 3 hole, and Dye hitting cleanup. I would also like to see Dye and CQ flip positions as well in the field. CQ has a nice eye, walks, has a propensity to drive in runs, and makes solid contact. I think he is a future 3 hole hitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightni Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ May 14, 2008 -> 05:10 PM) I would like to see CQ in the 3 hole, and Dye hitting cleanup. I would also like to see Dye and CQ flip positions as well in the field. CQ has a nice eye, walks, has a propensity to drive in runs, and makes solid contact. I think he is a future 3 hole hitter. Why not lead off with CQ? Certainly he has extra base ability and has been hitting the cover off of the ball lately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RME JICO Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (knightni @ May 14, 2008 -> 02:21 PM) Why not lead off with CQ? Certainly he has extra base ability and has been hitting the cover off of the ball lately. I actually like that better, he is also faster than AJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G&T Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (knightni @ May 14, 2008 -> 04:21 PM) Why not lead off with CQ? Certainly he has extra base ability and has been hitting the cover off of the ball lately. I think he has the tools needed to lead off. My problem is that he is also the best hitter on the team right now and leading him off would only take away RBI opportunities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsideirish71 Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (knightni @ May 14, 2008 -> 04:21 PM) Why not lead off with CQ? Certainly he has extra base ability and has been hitting the cover off of the ball lately. Thats not a bad move either. The only reason I like the 3 hole, is Dye would provide protection. Outside of that, he should still see plenty of pitches in the zone with leadoff. In that case I would have Dye hit 3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knightni Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 QUOTE (G&T @ May 14, 2008 -> 05:27 PM) I think he has the tools needed to lead off. My problem is that he is also the best hitter on the team right now and leading him off would only take away RBI opportunities. Not as many as you think. He'd only be leading off in the 1st inning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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