I think I would start Hatcher today

[Irondawg]

And bench Clark. The ways this series has been playing out, having our best defensive 1b could save us a couple of runs.

Clarks bat is not as hot right now so it’s not a massive loss on offense at the moment.

Hatcher has more big game experience

 

[jdbulldog]

As much as I like Josh, it would be Kellum for me.

 

[BKCBully]

Why are we acting like he is so much better than Hancock at first? If you want more runs than the other team 2 guaranteed outs in the lineup doesn’t help.

 

[The Peeper]

Every game is different so "the way this series has been playing out" has nothing to do with today.

You put Hatcher in there that means in essence 22% of your hitting is gone between Hatcher and Forsythe. Hopefully those two would bat 8-10 times today and I'm not willing to sacrifice 8-10 outs of a 27 out game to take a chance that the first baseman MAY have to field a ball or two out of the ordinary. Clark it is for me

 

[ronpolk]

Why are we acting like he is so much better than Hancock at first? If you want more runs than the other team 2 guaranteed outs in the lineup doesn’t help.

This is not a knock on Hancock because he’s been put in a bad situation. I doubt he’s ever played first before. But Hatcher is a lot better. Hatcher is not that great but he’s better.

 

[mdm3045]

We need offense if we are going to win. I think the lineup we have trotted out this weekend is our best offensive lineup. Albeit, our approach at the plate on Sunday was not great. We’ve gotta do a better job putting the ball in play, particularly when we get into hitter’s counts (2-0, 3-1, etc.). Bottom line we’ve gotta hit if we are gonna win.

 

[MSUDC11]

You’re not winning this game 2-1, at least I don’t think so. You’ve gotta have offense. Hatcher is not that unfortunately.

 

[thekimmer]

We need offense if we are going to win. I think the lineup we have trotted out this weekend is our best offensive lineup. Albeit, our approach at the plate on Sunday was not great. We’ve gotta do a better job putting the ball in play, particularly when we get into hitter’s counts (2-0, 3-1, etc.). Bottom line we’ve gotta hit if we are gonna win.

This absolutely. We are going to have to score runs. There is no way playing a guy hitting south of .200 makes sense for slightly better defense.

 

[8dog]

No. Today is about our bats. In no world should we sacrifice offense for first base defense unless its a late game sub while up.

 

[maroonmania]

This absolutely. We are going to have to score runs. There is no way playing a guy hitting south of .200 makes sense for slightly better defense.

I agree in general and would stick with what we have because its our best chance to score runs. BUT, that said, the fact that Hancock and Clark have both given us little to nothing lately is not helping the case given Hancock is way below average at 1B. It is a killer for us that we are facing a team that apparently has NO RH starters.

 

[Drebin]

I agree in general and would stick with what we have because its our best chance to score runs. BUT, that said, the fact that Hancock and Clark have both given us little to nothing lately is not helping the case given Hancock is way below average at 1B. It is a killer for us that we are facing a team that apparently has NO RH starters.

You don't make a lineup based on what people have given you in the past, but on what gives you the best chance to win on any given day.

Honest question: Bottom of the ninth, two outs, down one, with a runner on third, and we have the 8 hole up. Do you want Kellum Clark or Hatcher hitting there?

 

[Cooterpoot]

Hatcher just can't start. We are what we are at this point. Clark has smashed a couple balls right at people too. Leave it alone. Hatcher can come in if we get a lead or are getting killed.

 

[preacher_dawg]

What are you guys talking about? Hatcher has never even pitched before and you want to start him in the biggest game of the year?!?

 

[Dawg_4_lifes]

Hatcher in the 4 hole and Cerantola on the bump. It’s time to go bold.**

 

[maroonmania]

You don't make a lineup based on what people have given you in the past, but on what gives you the best chance to win on any given day.

Honest question: Bottom of the ninth, two outs, down one, with a runner on third, and we have the 8 hole up. Do you want Kellum Clark or Hatcher hitting there?

That makes no sense. The whole reason we aren't playing Hatcher is what he has given us in the past (at least for this season). But Hancock has been productive in a lot of the season although he seems to be in a pretty big slump right now. But yes, as I said, I would keep the lineup as is and ride with it.

 

[Drebin]

That makes no sense. The whole reason we aren't playing Hatcher is what he has given us in the past (at least for this season). But Hancock has been productive in a lot of the season although he seems to be in a pretty big slump right now. But yes, as I said, I would keep the lineup as is and ride with it.

Hatcher was bad for much of the season. Hancock and/or Kellum Clark have struggled for just a few games, but their larger body of work is much different. This was my point. You don't take Hancock or Clark out of the lineup because they went oh-fer yesterday.

It's also helpful to remember they've faced a lot of left handed pitching lately.

 

[047Dog]

Hatcher is at best a B defender. You put up with C defense from Hancock instead of conceding 2 outs in your lineup.

I don’t think you really get any better play by Hatcher on those slow rollers yesterday. Hancock can make the routine plays. That’s better than having 2 non bats in your lineup