Fire Lou

[Ace]

<!--quoteo(post=100015:date=Jun 5 2010, 11:47 AM:name=Rappster)-->QUOTE (Rappster @ Jun 5 2010, 11:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=100006:date=Jun 5 2010, 07:40 AM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Jun 5 2010, 07:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Batting Theriot-Lee-Ramirez 2-3-4 at this stage in the season is really indefensible. I'm sorry, but it is.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I really do understand your point, Ace...and, I'm pretty close to feeling Fella's sentiments about Theriot, as well.

Here's the thing...to me, managing anything (especially a baseball team) is something of a high wire act. You're handed a certain foundation, and you have to assume the quality of its elements.

In this case...do we assume that Aramis is a dangerous clutch-hitter, or has simply turned into a waste product? Has he earned the right to play out a terrible slump, or does he sit immediately? If you're going to sit him, when do you know to start him again? I think certain types of players have earned the right to "play through"...if only because getting them jump-started is critical to the team's success.

I don't have the answer to my next thought/question...is it easier or harder for a clean-up hitter to get restarted in the eight-hole, than his normal spot? I don't know if I overthink these things...but, I am for allowing our best players to hang in there and find it.

Same for Lee...cornerstone players get more latitude, in my opinion.

As for Theriot...I do agree. I don't know why Castro isn't in the two. The only thing I can think of...the two-hole has always required strong situational hitters, with the ability to protect the runner, get on base, etc. Is it possible that they haven't seen this kind of ability/insight from Castro, as yet?

On some level...we simply have to hope that each player plays up to his ability. Isn't that really the problem, right now? Our players simply aren't getting it done. Is this the manager's fault? He doesn't take their AB's. He's tried jump-starting the team with different approaches...he's not remained dormant.

We all absolutely want this team to win...but, as great the urgency, it doesn't absolve the need for patience.
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I feel you, Rapp - but it's too late to hope for a jump-start, or to be risking present wins in the hopes that the losses will effectuate that jump-start.

Lee and Ramirez should be hitting 7-8 until further notice. Theriot should be on the bench, playing only against lefties, and batting 7 or 8 when he does (accommodating Lee and Ramirez as necessary).

I can't see it any other way.