JJ and the 8th spot

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

Ok, so Hardy has been hitting a lot better since moving to the 8th spot. Is this a coincidence or does Hardy benefit more from being #8.

[BREWCREW5]

pretty small sample right now but I like it. I will say that I like rickie leading off with Hart hitting #2. It feels strong...

[bork]

Hardy was showing some signs of coming around before getting moved to the 8th spot. But I'd keep him there for now. He just doesn't walk enough to be in the 2 spot. Amazing that Weeks and Hardy's OBP is about the same, but their batting averages are 65 points apart. Plus, the current lineup gives them their best base stealers at 1-3.

[RU Rah Rah]

He lit up Houston pretty well, if we can judge over a few games. I think it's worth sticking with.

 

The key is really Rickie, I suppose. If he can get on base from the #1 spot, then Corey can be #2, and JJ can slide to eighth.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

Yeah it's only been 3 games but right after the change was made, he starting hitting the ball with more authority. It'd be nice to get some production from the bottom of the order. Here's to another Hardy hot streak!

[AJAY]

I don't know if it's the 8th spot or whether it's just that we were playing against Houston. Hardy really seems to hit the Astros well. Let's see what happens against some other opponents.

[endaround]

Yeah it was Houston in Houston so whether or not that means anything will take awhile. That said, he's the best candidate for 8th assuming you don't Estrada there since no bunt could ever get him to 2nd.

[dvoiss]

I think if Rickie continues to hit in the top spot than JJ should hit 8th. I'm not sure hitting 8th is benefitting JJ but there really isn't anyone else, other than maybe Estrada and Miller, who should hit there. If Rickie doesn't continue to produce than they need to rethink things.

[bklynbrewcrew]

JJ had a real nice weekend and hopefully its a sign that he is getting hot again. That would be a huge boost for the offense.

[PlayerHader]

They can't put Rickie Weeks in the 8 spot. I hated watching him there. Waste of too many tools.

[JohnBriggs12]

Hardy was miscast in the 2 hole especially once Braun arrived. Now he doesn't have to think about moving runners or going deep in counts, he can let his natural ability come out.

[homer]

Hardy had hit safely in 12 of 14 games at #2 prior to moving to the 8th spot. I think it's coincidence.

 

BUT......given that he doesn't get on base at a great clip, moving him down in the order was a good move.

[JJHardy7]

I think JJ is slotted at 8 for awhile. He's done well in the small sample and it just makes sense. I echo the thoughts above about not hitting Estrada there since it would take a heck of a bunt to get him the second safely.