HEADLINES: Hunter Pence & Astros

[Ratdog90]

I also think this is just doing more of the same. Someone mentioned proto-typical earlier and the problem with that is we are beginning to see managers try different things with their line-up. Off the cuff, Granderson and CB Young are not "proto-typical" lead-off men, but have thrived in that spot. last yr, La Russa played Edmonds and Duncan in the 2 hole...not sure I agree with that, it is thinking outside of the box.

This would be the line-up I would field if I were a manager for a day:

Bourn OBP: 0.348 and he has wheels to stretch that single into a dbl or make it home with a bloop single from the guy behind him.
Tejada: OBP 0.3621(3 yr avg) He is a great hitter and makes consistent contact. This really is a perfect spot for him with his declining power
Berkman: For same reasons as the real powers at be.
C. Lee: Same as for Berkman
Pence: OBP: 0.3595 last yr and right there with his minor league stats. I actually like him more in the 5th spot than the second. Given his good OBP, he can continue a rally and not have the pressure of batting 2nd.
Matsui
Wigginton
Towles