Are you tired of talking about Hudson trade rumors? Do you get a rumbling in the pit of your stomach thinking about the impending breakup of our Big Three?
I want to ignore the rumors, speculation and guessing for a minute and discuss the team as it stands today. More specifically, the batting order.
The speculation began with Ken Macha saying that Jason Kendall could wind up hitting third in the A's lineup, pushing Eric Chavez back to cleanup. Nick Swisher, a rookie with a penchant for patience at the plate, would take over the second spot in the lineup.
So, according to Macha, the lineup could wind up looking something like this:
Kotsay
Swisher
Kendall
Chavez
Durazo
Crosby
Hatteberg/Johnson
Byrnes/Kielty
Ellis/Scutaro
The top five in the batting order bring some potent patience, but only sporadic power. Kotsay hit 15 homers last year, who knows whether Swisher's minor-league power will translate as quickly as Crosby's did, Kendall hasn't had power in several seasons, Chavez is capable of topping 40 and Durazo also has the ability to crack 30.
Crosby also showed impressive power last season, but you never know how a sophomore will adjust in his second season.
I personally like the idea of putting Kotsay in a spot to drive in more runs. So, my ideal lineup as the roster stands today, would be:
Kendall
Swisher
Kotsay
Chavez
Durazo
Crosby
Hatteberg/Johnson
Byrnes/Kielty
Ellis/Scutaro
Of course, Billy could make a deal and make this all irrelevant any way...wait I'm avoiding that topic.
Which lineup would you like to see if Billy stands pat and resigns Durazo as expected? Click on the entry link below to vote:
Poll
Which is the best A's offensive lineup as the team stands?
This poll is closed
-
14%
Kotsay, Swisher, Kendall, Chavez, Durazo, Crosby, Hatter/DJ, Byrnes, Ellis/Scoot
(10 votes) -
36%
Kendall, Swisher, Kotsay, Chavez, Durazo, Crosby, Hatter/DJ, Byrnes, Ellis/Scoot
(26 votes) -
2%
Kendall, Durazo, Kotsay, Chavez, Crosby, Swisher, Hatter/DJ, Byrnes, Ellis/Scoot
(2 votes) -
0%
Kotsay, Hatter/DJ, Kendall, Chavez, Durazo, Crosby, Swisher, Byrnes, Ellis/Scoot
(0 votes) -
18%
Kendall, Kotsay, Byrnes, Chavez, Durazo, Crosby, Hatter/DJ, Swisher, Ellis/Scoot
(13 votes) -
28%
None of the Above
(20 votes)
