All valid points. To me, the fact of the matter is that Counsell will be starting one way or another tonight - whether it be at short or 3rd. So why not put Counsell at 3rd and Escobar at short? Considering the options: Hall at 3rd against a tough RHP, Lamb at 3rd who is left handed but apparently not too sharp defensively, or Branyan if he's available defensively, which I'm not too sure he is. At the very least you would have a strong defense on the left side of the infield against a team that pulls the ball quite a bit and Suppan who is usually a ground ball pitcher when right. Plus, should Escobar get on base, he has great speed.