2008 Lineup Predictions

[kretz330]

I know this is early to start predicting a lineup, especially since there is a cloud over what is going to happen at 1B but here is my predicition for the opening day lineup:

1. David Dejesus CF
2. Mark Grudzielanek 2B
3. Billy Butler DH
4. Jose Guillen LF
5. Alex Gordon 3B
6. Mark Teahen RF
7. Ryan Shealy 1B
8. John Buck C
9. Tony Pena Jr. SS

[Tavish]

I know this is early to start predicting a lineup, especially since there is a cloud over what is going to happen at 1B but here is my predicition for the opening day lineup:

1. David Dejesus CF
2. Mark Grudzielanek 2B
3. Billy Butler DH
4. Jose Guillen LF
5. Alex Gordon 3B
6. Mark Teahen RF
7. Ryan Shealy 1B
8. John Buck C
9. Tony Pena Jr. SS

I could see that lineup more towards the middle/end of the season, coming out of ST I expect something like:

DeJesus CF
Grudz 2B
Teahen RF
Butler DH
Guillen LF (at least once back from suspension)
Gordon 3B
Gload 1B
Buck C
Pena SS

Hard to guess what they will do during Guillen's suspension. Maybe Gload in LF, Butler at 1B, German as DH, just plug Gathright into LF. Obviously my biggest disagreement is that I don't think Shealy will be much of a factor for the team. I've never been real high on the guy, but his performance last season was Low-A worthy.

[kretz330]

I know this is early to start predicting a lineup, especially since there is a cloud over what is going to happen at 1B but here is my predicition for the opening day lineup:

1. David Dejesus CF
2. Mark Grudzielanek 2B
3. Billy Butler DH
4. Jose Guillen LF
5. Alex Gordon 3B
6. Mark Teahen RF
7. Ryan Shealy 1B
8. John Buck C
9. Tony Pena Jr. SS

I could see that lineup more towards the middle/end of the season, coming out of ST I expect something like:

DeJesus CF
Grudz 2B
Teahen RF
Butler DH
Guillen LF (at least once back from suspension)
Gordon 3B
Gload 1B
Buck C
Pena SS

Hard to guess what they will do during Guillen's suspension. Maybe Gload in LF, Butler at 1B, German as DH, just plug Gathright into LF. Obviously my biggest disagreement is that I don't think Shealy will be much of a factor for the team. I've never been real high on the guy, but his performance last season was Low-A worthy.

Shealy was playing injured all season which brought his performance way down. If you look at how well he finished the season out in 06 you'll see he has good potential. I don't know if he'll live up to that potential either but right now we are hurting for a first baseman. Ross Gload wasn't brought in to be an everyday player but was forced to do so last season. Butler can't play the field and we don't have many other options. If you go from last year's performance, I agree Gload should be at first, but Gload was supposed to be a corner outfielder off the bench and I think they are going to work him into that roll if they can.

[J35J]

Here's what I would like to see.....but its likely not happening.

1. DeJesus, CF
2. Grudz/Callaspo, 2B
3. Gordon, 3B
4. Butler, DH
5. Guillen, RF
6. Teahen, LF
7. Shealy/Huber, 1B
8. Buck/Olivo, C
9. Pena Jr, SS

They will likely have Teahen hitting 3rd...at least thats what I hear...and Guillen will be 4th once he comes back...again, thats what I hear. I'd much rather throw Shealy and/or Huber at 1B this year instead of Gload. I don't mind Gload giving guys a rest in the OF and at 1B but I don't want him starting.