Evenif Morales is healthy, he's not going to be where he was right away.
I don’t expect anything significant from Morales this year, even if he’s healthy. Taking out last season’s team MVP to make room for him doesn’t make sense, not unless he surprises everyone and starts crushing the ball like he did a couple years ago.
1. Aybar SS
2. Kendrick 2B
3. Pujols 1B
4. Torii Hunter RF
5. Mark Trumbo DH
6. Alberto Callaspo 3B
7. Vernon Wells / Mike Trout LF
8. Chris Ianetta C
9. Peter Bourjos CF
(Bourjos and Aybar could flip)
WIth Kendrys Moraels
1. Aybar SS
2. Kendrick 2B
3. Pujols 1B
4. Kendrys Moraels DH
5. Mark Trumbo Dh
6. Torii Hunter
7. Vernon Wells / Mike Trout LF
8. Chris Ianetta C
9. Peter Bourjos CF
1) someone other than Pujols
2) someone other than Pujols
3) Pujols
4) someone other than Pujols
5) someone other than Pujols
6) someone other than Pujols
7) someone other than Pujols
8) someone other than Pujols
9) someone other than Pujols
Now we have a staple in the middle of the order. The last couple years we didn’t have a clear 3 hitter. We would rotate our best hitter anywhere from 3 to 5 in the order. Now everything is built around Pujols.
I will assume that Morales and Trumbo are healthy….
Trout is in AAA. Pujols, Bourjos, and Kendrick start every day. Iannetta starts as often as possible. Abreu and Wells platoon in left field. Aybar starts against righties and platoons against lefties with Izturis. And Callaspo, Hunter, and Morales each get 75-80 percent of the starts at third, right, and DH, respectively, with Trumbo playing when they sit.
Against righties: Aybar, Kendrick, Pujols, Morales, Hunter, Abreu, Callaspo, Iannetta, Bourjos (with Trumbo as super sub)
Against lefties: Bourjos, Kendrck, Pujols, Morales, Hunter, Wells, Callaspo, Iannetta, Aybar/Izturis (again with Trumbo as super sub)
There really are a lot of issues that need to be sorted out.
First of all, I am going to assume Trumbo will not be playing 3B.
Without Morales, should we simply platoon Wells/Abreu, with Trumbo playing full time? Trumbo in LF when Abreu DH’s; Trumbo at DH when Wells plays LF?
With Morales, would we simply move Trumbo to LF and call it a day? Wells and Abreu would provide depth.
With Morales, should we simply pencil in The Kid now, live with the occasional growing pains, knowing that he is probably our best long-term leadoff option?
If Trout hits .455 in spring training, does DiPoto have the balls to cut Wells?
Do we send Trout to AAA, see if he hits .360 by Memorial Day, and bring him up?
Should we keep everybody and let it works itself out during April/May? (Which is probably out it will end up happening)
I doubt Wells will be cut for obvious reasons, too
We’re all grown ups here, and the reality of his contract means things would have to go terribly wrong for him to be released. But 2011 WAS really wrong. And it’s not a big stretch to envision a scenario where a tough decision would need to be made.
A) Trout plays well, and becomes the obvious choice in LF. B) Morales is healthy, and is the obvious choice at DH.
In that scenario, Vernon truly might be our worst outfielder. Abreu would be more valuable to this team because he bats lefthanded. Leaving Wells as a…6th outfielder behind Trout, Bourjos, Hunter, Trumbo (4C super sub), and Abreu. The infield would still have Pujols, Kendrick, Aybar, Callaspo, Izturis, and Morales. Catchers could be Iannetta, Wilson, and Conger. Wells saving grace is that Conger could be optioned, creating a roster spot for Wells (which is probably what will happen).
As far as Wells being better than Trumbo – neither you or I know whether Vernon will have a better year than Mark. I know people have criticized Trumbo’s lack of plate discipline as a precursor to future difficulties. Except…he actually walked more than Wells last year. And slugged better. So, despite Vernon’s superior past, right now I’d still say Trumbo is slightly ahead. Trumbo’s versatility ultimately gives him the final edge.
but not 150+ games, and I agree, I wouldnt be surprised to see Trumbo playing third against lineups with strong Lefties and weaver or haren pitching, DHing or LFing when santana or Wilson are pitching, and riding the bench some days.
Soth has never been one to insist upon a single lineup, he will tinker for pitching matchups playing different guys at different positions
Corey Hart is overall a better offensive player than Callaspo. Hart (when healthy) hits for Callaspo-ish average, gets on base a decent amount of times, steals more bases then Callaspo (career high 23 > Callaspo 8), and hits for a ton of power.
Callaspo is absolutely a better leadoff option than Aybar.
Aybar’s speed does him no good when he’s sitting on the bench from all those outs he makes. .319 OBP (Career) and .322 OBP (Last Year) is pretty terrible.
Callaspo doesn't offer anything else in the leadoff spot besides OBP
Aybar would hit for a Callaspo average, he can bunt, drive more runs in, more extra base hits, stolen bases, and some more speed to get around the bases in general.
Only Jedi’s opinion really matters at this point and I don’t see a comment here from him. I do suspect, however, that he’d prefer to not start the game with an out 68% of the time.
I don't get all the Aybar in the leadoff spot lineups.
Dipoto doesn’t strike me as the type of guy that wants one of his most prolific out-makers in the top spot. I hope the neutering Soth got over the off-season extends to how he uses players not just his past input on roster moves.
He lacks the requisite plate disclipline, and despite the advantage of his being a switch-hitter his regression last year and Bourjos’ emergence make Pete the better candidate..
That being said, if by mid-May Bourjos is struggling and Aybar is in his circa 2009 form then a chage may be in order.
But generally I agree with your comment….It is amazing that so many people put Aybar in that lead-off spot without a second thought.
I didn’t see Izturis’ name mentioned even once above.
Power is in short supply in MLB. “Trumbo hits the ball as hard as anybody.” I think the deal’s got to be really good to move or sit Trumbo. Scioscia will get hiim 500+ ABs.
I think it will look like this
Aybar ss
Kendrick 2b
Pujols 1b
Morales DH
Hunter RF
Wells LF
Callaspo 3b
Ianetta C
Bourjos CF
And in case Morales isnt healthy to play then the DH will be alternated between Trumbo and Abreu depending on LHP or RHP
Frank158369 - January 7, 2012
Trumbo's going to be a bench player?
5thStarter - January 8, 2012
I think so
If Morales is healthy, yes.
Brody - January 8, 2012
Just checkin'.
I’d prefer him in AA or AAA to work on 3B every day, rather than sitting on the bench.
5thStarter - January 8, 2012
He will play more than half time
Even if he is a bench player.
Brody - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Evenif Morales is healthy, he's not going to be where he was right away.
I don’t expect anything significant from Morales this year, even if he’s healthy. Taking out last season’s team MVP to make room for him doesn’t make sense, not unless he surprises everyone and starts crushing the ball like he did a couple years ago.
moralesforpresident - January 8, 2012 via mobile
SS- Pujols
CF- Pujols
DH- Pujols
1B- Pujols
3B- Pujols
2B- Pujols
RF- Pujols
LF-Pujols
C- Pujols
Balls and Strikes - January 8, 2012
SS Aybar
2B Kendrick
RF Hunter
1B Pujols
DH Morales
3B Trumbo
LF Wells
C Ianetta
CF Bourjos
TheAntiSox - January 8, 2012
you really think Trumbo is going to play 3rd?
Frank158369 - January 8, 2012
I really DID
Until his recent setbacks…
TheAntiSox - January 8, 2012
Sosh already said outright that Pujols would hit 3rd.
moralesforpresident - January 8, 2012 via mobile
I see a few scenarios.
Without Kendrys Morales:
1. Aybar SS
2. Kendrick 2B
3. Pujols 1B
4. Torii Hunter RF
5. Mark Trumbo DH
6. Alberto Callaspo 3B
7. Vernon Wells / Mike Trout LF
8. Chris Ianetta C
9. Peter Bourjos CF
(Bourjos and Aybar could flip)
WIth Kendrys Moraels
1. Aybar SS
2. Kendrick 2B
3. Pujols 1B
4. Kendrys Moraels DH
5. Mark Trumbo Dh
6. Torii Hunter
7. Vernon Wells / Mike Trout LF
8. Chris Ianetta C
9. Peter Bourjos CF
joberooni - January 8, 2012
blah
Trumbo at 3B in the second scenario
joberooni - January 8, 2012
Trumbo isn't playing 3B.
moralesforpresident - January 8, 2012 via mobile
20 games, tops.
moralesforpresident - January 8, 2012 via mobile
not at first
but i bet he proves everyone wrong and does well.
joberooni - January 8, 2012
i guess 2 DH's sounds possible
Frank158369 - January 8, 2012
If they would just leave Trout and Bourjos in the outfield, free to roam, we'd have room for 2 DHs.
5thStarter - January 8, 2012
The league owes us for all those at bats we gave Mathis.
snowhor - January 9, 2012
Trumbo won't hit ahead of Hunter....
Jack Frostt - January 9, 2012
I see one scenario
1) someone other than Pujols
2) someone other than Pujols
3) Pujols
4) someone other than Pujols
5) someone other than Pujols
6) someone other than Pujols
7) someone other than Pujols
8) someone other than Pujols
9) someone other than Pujols
mustard_man - January 8, 2012
Pretty much
Brody - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Kendrick-Pujols-Hunter-Morales in the spots that should be locked in
Swap Kendrys and Torii if Morales is back.
And in a perfect world, Trout batting 9th
ihearhowie2.0 - January 8, 2012
The lineup will change every day as per usual
Fred Fredrix - January 8, 2012
True, but not nearly as much.
Now we have a staple in the middle of the order. The last couple years we didn’t have a clear 3 hitter. We would rotate our best hitter anywhere from 3 to 5 in the order. Now everything is built around Pujols.
moralesforpresident - January 8, 2012 via mobile
My view
I will assume that Morales and Trumbo are healthy….
Trout is in AAA. Pujols, Bourjos, and Kendrick start every day. Iannetta starts as often as possible. Abreu and Wells platoon in left field. Aybar starts against righties and platoons against lefties with Izturis. And Callaspo, Hunter, and Morales each get 75-80 percent of the starts at third, right, and DH, respectively, with Trumbo playing when they sit.
Against righties: Aybar, Kendrick, Pujols, Morales, Hunter, Abreu, Callaspo, Iannetta, Bourjos (with Trumbo as super sub)
Against lefties: Bourjos, Kendrck, Pujols, Morales, Hunter, Wells, Callaspo, Iannetta, Aybar/Izturis (again with Trumbo as super sub)
Brody - January 8, 2012
Here is my guess...
1. Mathis
2. Mathis
3. Pujols
4. Mathis
5. Mathis
6. Mathis
7. Mathis
8. Mathis
9. Mathis
angelskid2210 - January 8, 2012
anti-rec'd
the king of CERA - January 8, 2012
But it got rec'd lol
angelskid2210 - January 8, 2012
Deep depth
There really are a lot of issues that need to be sorted out.
First of all, I am going to assume Trumbo will not be playing 3B.
Without Morales, should we simply platoon Wells/Abreu, with Trumbo playing full time? Trumbo in LF when Abreu DH’s; Trumbo at DH when Wells plays LF?
With Morales, would we simply move Trumbo to LF and call it a day? Wells and Abreu would provide depth.
With Morales, should we simply pencil in The Kid now, live with the occasional growing pains, knowing that he is probably our best long-term leadoff option?
If Trout hits .455 in spring training, does DiPoto have the balls to cut Wells?
Do we send Trout to AAA, see if he hits .360 by Memorial Day, and bring him up?
Should we keep everybody and let it works itself out during April/May? (Which is probably out it will end up happening)
johnnyangel101 - January 8, 2012
Wells will not be cut... plus i think next year he will have an avg year which means he will have a better year than Trumbo
Frank158369 - January 8, 2012
I doubt Wells will be cut for obvious reasons, too
We’re all grown ups here, and the reality of his contract means things would have to go terribly wrong for him to be released. But 2011 WAS really wrong. And it’s not a big stretch to envision a scenario where a tough decision would need to be made.
A) Trout plays well, and becomes the obvious choice in LF. B) Morales is healthy, and is the obvious choice at DH.
In that scenario, Vernon truly might be our worst outfielder. Abreu would be more valuable to this team because he bats lefthanded. Leaving Wells as a…6th outfielder behind Trout, Bourjos, Hunter, Trumbo (4C super sub), and Abreu. The infield would still have Pujols, Kendrick, Aybar, Callaspo, Izturis, and Morales. Catchers could be Iannetta, Wilson, and Conger. Wells saving grace is that Conger could be optioned, creating a roster spot for Wells (which is probably what will happen).
As far as Wells being better than Trumbo – neither you or I know whether Vernon will have a better year than Mark. I know people have criticized Trumbo’s lack of plate discipline as a precursor to future difficulties. Except…he actually walked more than Wells last year. And slugged better. So, despite Vernon’s superior past, right now I’d still say Trumbo is slightly ahead. Trumbo’s versatility ultimately gives him the final edge.
johnnyangel101 - January 8, 2012
Trumbo walked more than Wells last year
That is a chilling thought in many ways.
JeffJoiner - January 9, 2012
Soth seems optimistic that trumbo can play third
but not 150+ games, and I agree, I wouldnt be surprised to see Trumbo playing third against lineups with strong Lefties and weaver or haren pitching, DHing or LFing when santana or Wilson are pitching, and riding the bench some days.
Soth has never been one to insist upon a single lineup, he will tinker for pitching matchups playing different guys at different positions
ItCouldHappen - January 8, 2012
Not anymore.
With his injury setting him back, we may not be seeing Trumbo at 3B at all.
At the most, 20 games.
moralesforpresident - January 8, 2012 via mobile
I think we wait until spring training before we make any serious judgements
I agree that trumbo wont be an everyfay 3b but I think 20 games is on the lower end…..
ItCouldHappen - January 8, 2012
If everything goes according to plan,
1. SS Aybar (Bourjos will leadoff more against lefties)
2. 2B Kendrick (career year .310/.340/.500, 40 doubles, 20 HR’s, 85 RBI, 15 SB)
3. 1B Pujols
4. DH Morales (fingers crossed)
5. RF Hunter
6. 3B Trumbo (platoon with Callaspo at 3rd)
7. LF Wells (bounce back season)
8. C Iannetta
9. CF Bourjos
Morales8 - January 8, 2012
Anomaly, for the sake of it.
Callaspo 3B
Howie 2B
Pujols 1B
Wells LF (let’s pretend)
Morales DH
Hunter RF
Aybar SS
Iannetta C
Pete CF
eh?
truhalo - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Callaspo at leadoff?
I understand with his higher OBP but he’s not fast enough for the leadoff spot
Morales8 - January 8, 2012
Corey Hart
truhalo - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Yeah but
Corey Hart is overall a better offensive player than Callaspo. Hart (when healthy) hits for Callaspo-ish average, gets on base a decent amount of times, steals more bases then Callaspo (career high 23 > Callaspo 8), and hits for a ton of power.
Morales8 - January 8, 2012
I realize
comparing the two is a little extreme but I’m just saying that a higher OBP doesn’t mean Callaspo is a good leadoff hitter
Morales8 - January 8, 2012
Plus, he wears his sunglasses at night.
halofolife - January 8, 2012
Callaspo is absolutely a better leadoff option than Aybar.
Aybar’s speed does him no good when he’s sitting on the bench from all those outs he makes. .319 OBP (Career) and .322 OBP (Last Year) is pretty terrible.
snowhor - January 9, 2012
Callaspo doesn't offer anything else in the leadoff spot besides OBP
Aybar would hit for a Callaspo average, he can bunt, drive more runs in, more extra base hits, stolen bases, and some more speed to get around the bases in general.
Morales8 - January 9, 2012
Aybar would also get on base less than Callaspo would.
And getting on base is the most important thing for a leadoff hitter to do.
~MMP~ - January 9, 2012
Obivously
no one else see’s Callaspo as our leadoff hitter
Morales8 - January 9, 2012
No one?
Only Jedi’s opinion really matters at this point and I don’t see a comment here from him. I do suspect, however, that he’d prefer to not start the game with an out 68% of the time.
snowhor - January 9, 2012
Dipoto doesn't write out the lineup
I believe that would be Scioscia
Morales8 - January 9, 2012
Mathis to Canada indicates Soth has marching orders from here on out.
snowhor - January 9, 2012
I'm assuming:
SS Aybar
2B Kendrick
1B Pujols
DH Morales
RF Hunter
LF Wells
3B Callaspo
C Destructobeam
CF Bourjos
If K-Mo is healthy. Hopefully.
TheKingfish - January 8, 2012
I'm going to be realistic, in assuming that Wells will get every chance to bounce back (deserved or not), and Trumbo will not play 3rd regularly.
With Morales:
SS Aybar
2B Kendrick
1B Pujols
DH Morales
LF Wells
RF Hunter
3BCallaspo
C Iannetta
CF Bourjos
Without Morales:
SS Aybar
2B Kendrick
1B Pujols
LF Wells
RF Hunter
DH Trumbo/Abreu
3B Callaspo
C Iannetta
CF Bourjos
IE Angel - January 8, 2012
I don't get all the Aybar in the leadoff spot lineups.
Dipoto doesn’t strike me as the type of guy that wants one of his most prolific out-makers in the top spot. I hope the neutering Soth got over the off-season extends to how he uses players not just his past input on roster moves.
snowhor - January 9, 2012
I agree snowhor.... Aybar is NOT a leadoff hitter
He lacks the requisite plate disclipline, and despite the advantage of his being a switch-hitter his regression last year and Bourjos’ emergence make Pete the better candidate..
That being said, if by mid-May Bourjos is struggling and Aybar is in his circa 2009 form then a chage may be in order.
But generally I agree with your comment….It is amazing that so many people put Aybar in that lead-off spot without a second thought.
Jack Frostt - January 9, 2012
Different every night
Why would Sosh change now?
JeffJoiner - January 9, 2012
Everyone plays....(except maybe Morales)
I didn’t see Izturis’ name mentioned even once above.
Power is in short supply in MLB. “Trumbo hits the ball as hard as anybody.” I think the deal’s got to be really good to move or sit Trumbo. Scioscia will get hiim 500+ ABs.
wumbug - January 9, 2012
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