Machado in the two hole?

[ChuckS]

Dan Connelly is reporting this along with Roberts starting the season batting ninth. I don't think the two hole is right for Machado at this point. Too much pressure to produce in that spot. He is still developing and will likely have some level of sophomore slump. This coming off a year in which he probably exceeded expectations with the big league club, but still did not post an OBP over .300.

This is what I would like to see as our everyday lineup against right handers if Markakis is going to lead off and Brian is going to hit ninth:

RF Markakis L

LF McClouth L

CF Jones R

1B Davis L

LF Reimold R

C Wieters L

SS Hardy R

3B Machado R

2B Roberts L

[waroriole]

I'd sit McLouth for Pearce or Jackson against Price.

[Can_of_corn]

Talent shows. If Buck wants to put him in the two hole then I am think he will be fine there given a little bit of time.

[isestrex]

I have full confidence that Manny will work a good count against Price and could draw a walk.

That being said, I think I'd still rather have Reimold hitting second on opening day.

[luismatos4prez]

My preference:[table=width: 500]

[tr]

[td]vs RHP[/td]

[td]vs LHP[/td]

[/tr]

[tr]

[td]

Reimold

Markakis

Jones

Davis

Wieters

Machado

Hardy

McLouth

Roberts[/td]

[td]

Reimold

Markakis

Jones

Wieters

Hardy

Davis

Machado

McLouth

Roberts[/td]

[/tr]

[/table]

[joshsroka]

Markakis

Machado

Jones

Davis

Weiters

Reimold

Mclouth

Hardy

Roberts

[joedogg9999]

I think eventually manny is your 3 hitter. I dont think hes ready for the 2 spot yet, especially if mcclouth is an everyday player.

9. Roberts

1. Kakis

2. Mcclouth

Would be ideal. Manny could work his way to #2 at some point this season, anyone but hardy.

[wildcard]

If they are moving Roberts down:

Opening Day

Markakis rf

Reimold lf

Jones cf

Wieters c

Davis 1b

Hardy ss

Pearce dh

Machado 3b

Roberts 2b

[hayek]

If they are moving Roberts down:

Opening Day

Markakis rf

Reimold lf

Jones cf

Wieters c

Davis 1b

Hardy ss

Pearce dh

Machado 3b

Roberts 2b

I think this is what we will see. Possibly Davis down one or two more spots against such a tough lefty.

[Brooks The Great]

Agree with everyone who thinks Machado isn't ready for the 2 hole. He's an OBP liability, just like Hardy was. McLouth should hit there against righties and Reimold against lefties.

[MachadOboutManny]

Machado in the 2 hole is an awful idea. Keep the pressure low and keep him at the bottom. The 2 is a ridiculous consideration.

[BobDylanBundy]

I think I'd prefer Reimold/Markakis in the top 2 spots in the lineup against LHP. However, I can understand wanting Reimold's power in the middle of the lineup and Machado is the next best choice for 2nd. As long as neither one is batting 2nd versus RHP, we should be fine.

[Tx Oriole]

Machado in the 2 hole is an awful idea. Keep the pressure low and keep him at the bottom. The 2 is a ridiculous consideration.

It is not ridiculous for Buck to consider putting Manny there. I don't think Buck would do it if he thought that for one minute Manny

couldn't handle it. Buck has a handle on what is best for the team. Not everything will work but this may surprise some folks. IMO

[sfosfan]

I think eventually manny is your 3 hitter. I dont think hes ready for the 2 spot yet, especially if mcclouth is an everyday player.

9. Roberts

1. Kakis

2. Mcclouth

Would be ideal. Manny could work his way to #2 at some point this season, anyone but hardy.

:agree:

I think you nailed it joedogg, this is the most likely scenario. BUT I would love to see McLouth become a good leadoff hitter with Brian batting second and Markakis third. With how well Nick bats though, it could be a while before he gets moved down.

[ChuckS]

It is not ridiculous for Buck to consider putting Manny there. I don't think Buck would do it if he thought that for one minute Manny

couldn't handle it. Buck has a handle on what is best for the team. Not everything will work but this may surprise some folks. IMO

Buck had a handle on what is best for the team last year and still had Hardy and his .280 OBP in the two hole all season, so I can't say I have complete trust in him here.