NEW PHILLIES LINEUP

[Stanley Roberts]

Sorry for the caps, but it's hard to contain the excitement with Utley hitting #2 and Howard #5!

[GSOE]

saw this too... wondering why they would put Utley in the 2 hole.

[facts]

as a rowand owner this is discouraging

[acsguitar]

It'll probably switch once Burrel is starting

[Stanley Roberts]

It'll probably switch once Burrel is starting

Burrell's in there.

[NikkiSixx]

I love Bobby Abreu


Hitters park + lineup protection equals yet another awesome year.

[George_Foreman]

Good move by the Phils. You want to give ABs to your good hitters (Utley, Howard) rather than your mediocre ones (Rowand).

[teddy ballgame]

I just traded for Utley and Rollins. Is this a good thing for them? Better protection for Utley perhaps? More runs in the 2 hole? WHat does this mean?

[bceagles04]

I just traded for Utley and Rollins. Is this a good thing for them? Better protection for Utley perhaps? More runs in the 2 hole? WHat does this mean?

I have both as well...I think it will mean less RBI but way more Runs for Utley...not really sure though...maybe a real Phils fan can weigh in!

[NikkiSixx]

I just traded for Utley and Rollins. Is this a good thing for them? Better protection for Utley perhaps? More runs in the 2 hole? WHat does this mean?

I think you answered your own question, he will of course see more fastballs with Bobby Abreu on deck, who also has his share of walks. He will also score a lot more runs with Abreu, Burrell and Howard behind him.



RBI production will go down quite a bit though, I will be pretty surprised if he hits 80 RBI's this year batting in the #2 slot...thats if he stays there all year.