It appears that by moving Beltre into the #2 spot, he's more focused on producing singles vs. swinging for the fences (3 for 6 today w/ 3 singles, 2 RBI's, and 1 run scored). Moreover, moving Lopez into the #3 spot I think will be a good move. He's a .300 hitter w/ some pop in his bat. I'm fine w/ Beltre not hitting 30+ HR's if he's doing this type of hitting....he could easily be a .275 hitter w/ higher RBI totals and runs scored in the #2 spot. He's solid defensively, that's for sure.
Hernandez pitches so-so today, giving up the grand slam that otherwise ruined a solid outing. He'll need to pay attention to these type of mistakes and sock them away in the memory bank.
7 games back folks.....time to go on a 4-7 game winning streak, eh?
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Comments:
I have been telling my Dad for a while they needed to put Belte in the # 2 hole. The AL is famous for having more junkball pitchers and I have always thought that Beltre can not hit the curveball or offspeed pitch away. Generally Ichiro will be on base and they will not want to walk him to get to Lopez or Ibanez. This lends to the pitcher going after him with fastballs.