E. Alfonzo to bat After Bonds

[trevisc]

Giants manager Felipe Alou said this weekend that he plans to bat Edgardo Alfonzo behind Barry Bonds, according to the San Jose Mercury News. That means that Alfonzo will bat either fourth or fifth, depending on where Bonds is slotted. The Giants have also decided that Alfonzo will play third base this season.

Alou said he would determine the rest of his lineup during spring training, but he was clearly toying with loading up on speed in front of Bonds. Ray Durham will lead off and could be followed by Marquis Grissom, Jose Cruz Jr., Bonds and Alfonzo.

[smallface99]

Coming from a Giants fan I like the idea of batting Alfonzo after Bonds, but this is the line-up that makes the most sense to me...
1 2B Durham-a top lead off guy
2 RF Cruz-not a great 2 guy traditionally, but keep the speed together
3 SS Aurilla-let him have the benefit Kent did last year
4 LF Bonds-uhhh...what can you say
5 3B Alfonzo-will provide some protection for Bonds
6 C Santiago-will not put up the same numbers again
7 1B Snow-defense is the only thing keeping him in any line-up
8 CF Grissom-still not sure why they signed him, but whatever
Grissom doesn't hit enough to warrant the two spot in such a potent line-up....now if they only had one more top pitcher....
Jon

[trevisc]

I wonder why Aurilia isn't getting more respect as a hitter. I think he'll be good for 20 dingers and close to a .300 avg this year.

[Pogotheostrich]

It will be interesting to see how it works out. Durham is going to bat leadoff. Then it is up in the air. Bonds could bat 3rd or 4th with Aurilla, Cruz and Alfonso taking the remaining spots 2-5. I have to say I am amazed that someone gave Grissom a job.

[Absolutely Adequate]

Aurelia isn't getting the respect he deserves because he was injured last year and hit .257 with just 15 hrs. Last year I got Renteria in the 10th round and I expect Aurelia to fall down that way this year. He should be a steal.

[farkin03]

put durham one, followed by Aurilia, Bonds, Alfonso, and Cruz Jr. Two pretty good bats behind Bonds could help cut down on his walks. That's my thought, anyway.

[trevisc]

not bad farkin. Can you imagine how many homers bonds would hit if they had a threat before AND after him. Very interesting.

[timstlguru]

durham
aurilia
bonds
alfonzo
cruz
santiago
snow
grissom


looks good to me

[kashikis]

being a mets fan i really like fonzy and think he will do well with the Giants. He should benefit greatly from hitting behind bonds. i think the best lineup to go with would be what timstlguru wrote. surrounding Bonds with your best batters should cut down on his walks and help out their offense.

you guys are right though i really dont know why they gave grissom a job but maybe they know something i dont but oh well....

[yeyo44]

good lineup, also expect some things from Cruz if he is hitting in front of Bonds.