Machado in the two hole?

[mark_beckens]

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

Good call, he certainly looks over-matched and should be moved down in the order.

[Frobby]

FYI, the O's rank # 3 in the league in OPS in the 2-hole.

[El Gordo]

The best thing you can do for Manny is challenge him. Tell him to switch from SS to 3B and go from AA to the ML. No problem. Tell him to go from hitting #8 or 9 to #2 . No problem. What next? 3B for 4 days, SP every 5th?