Iguchi traded to the Phillies - where will he bat?

[Jimbo OZ]

What is everyone's thoughts on Iguchi's lineup position with the Phillies? Is it possible he occupies a position in the top half of the lineup thus giving him some real fantasy value or will he just slot into the number 8 position???

[smoovethug]

Phillies broaadcaster Chris Wheeler said today during the game during Burrell's AB that "this is Rowand's spot". Made me think that the lineup would go:

Victorino
Iguchi
Rollins
Howard
Rowand
Burrell
Dobbs/Helms
Ruiz/Coste/Barajas

I could also see Rowand batting 2nd and Iguchi 6 behind Burrell. We'll have to see how it shakes out though as Rollins has struggled earlier when in the 3 hole (.196 avg in 14 games).

[Jimbo OZ]

If he did bat in the 2 hole, he would be a nice pickup while Utley is out.

[chipper]

The only problem with having Rowand anywhere but the 5 hole, is that there would be no protection for Howard. While Burrell has been swinging it a little better lately, there isn't a right handed pitcher out there that's not going to want to walk Howard to get to Burrell, also possibly setting up the double play.

Leaving Rowand behind Howard, and slotting Rollins in the 3 hole like you have it above.....to me would be the most dangerous lineup.

Victorino
Iguchi
Rollins
Howard
Rowand
Burrell
Dobbs/Helms
Ruiz/Coste/Barajas

[buffalobillsrul2002]

I'd do something like this

Rollins
Victorino
Howard
Rowand
Burrell
Dobbs/Helms
Iguchi
C
P

basically move everybody up one and place Iguchi in front of the C.... I think that Rollins' speed is too valuable at the top of the lineup, and in addition, I wouldn't want Rollins OBP as my #3 hitter. In fact, I'd rather see Rowand bat 3rd and Howard bat 4th rather than see Rollins put in the #3 hole...

Now as for what I think the Phillis will do:

Victorino
Iguchi
Rollins
Howard
Rowand
Burrell
3B
C
P

This will keep Iguchi comfortable in the 3 hole, and there's still enough speed in the top of the lineup. I just don't like Rollins in the #3 hole. I'd rather see a team put their BEST hitter there...

[5]

Rollins leading off .300 avg
Rollins batting third .203 avg

It's a small sample size for the hitting third, but it's Rollins - he obviously likes leading off.

[converge241]

guessing he will bounce between 2nd and 6th

[converge241]

looked good tonight..batting 2nd

[AKhomebrewer]

Victorino hurt in Monday night's game. If he misses any real time, that could solidify Iguchi at No. 2 for awhile (Rollins back to leadoff? )