Shuffling the lineup: First draft

We all know the Phillies are capable of scoring a lot of runs because they have a potent offense. However, the team is not producing a lot early on. I think this can be remedied by shuffling the batting order.

I anticipate we will have a lot of discussion on this topic and we'll certainly revisit it again and again throughout the season as the Phils' on-field performance changes. Here's my first crack at rethinking the Phillies' batting order:

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Pat Burrell, LF
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Geoff Jenkins, RF
6. Shane Victorino, CF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Pitcher

Rollins is going to lead off -- that's all there is to it. Last season, the other Mike and I discussed and agreed that he might be better suited elsewhere in the lineup, but it is simply not going to happen.

I dropped Victorino out of the number two hole for a couple of reasons: 1) He is not getting on base enough; and 2) I don't see the logic of having two "speedsters" grouped together. More on Victorino when I get to his proposed spot in the lineup. I put Utley at #2 because he is almost guaranteed to reach base (.486 OBP) right now. Sure, he potentially has fewer runs to drive in, but Victorino isn't getting on base anyway.

Burrell should bat third for several reasons: 1) He is on fire right now; 2) It breaks up the lefties; and 3) It keeps the bat in Ryan Howard's hands when Charlie makes his ill-advised, late-game defensive substitutions. In the first inning, assuming Utley knocks Rollins home with a double, Pat can either clear the bases with a home run or reach base with a walk, putting two guys on for Howard. By breaking up the lefties, opposing teams will have to go through more relievers in the middle innings or they'll have to go with match-ups that don't particularly favor their pitchers.

Howard can stay in the cleanup spot, where he'll either strike out or do some serious damage with three solid hitters/pitch-workers ahead of him.

Geoff Jenkins still seems to be settling into his new uniform. I put him fifth to provide protection for Howard. It creates back-to-back lefties, but you can't avoid that all the time.

Victorino fits in nicely in the sixth slot. He's a switch-hitter, and he's got speed to create runs. "Manufacturing" runs is important near the bottom of the order because the guys below Victorino aren't expected to hit home runs (though they certainly are capable). By batting ahead of Feliz and Ruiz, Victorino can score from first on base hits by the seventh and eighth hitters.

Pedro Feliz and Carlos Ruiz kind of fall in place at the bottom of the order.

I'm sure the other Mike will have some great insight into this, and I really look forward to it. In the meantime, what do you think?