A lot of people have been talking about the Pirates' starting line-ups this week. Here are my thoughts on the subject.
VS RHP
John Jaso - 1B
Andrew McCutchen - CF
Starling Marte - LF
Jung-Ho Kang - 3B
Josh Harrison - 2B
Gregory Polanco - RF
Francisco Cervelli - C
Jordy Mercer - SS
Pitcher
This is the line-up that Clint Hurdle has been going with during Spring Training and I think it's what he'll do for the regular season as well. Batting McCutchen second means he won't bat with two outs and nobody on as much as before and Marte's speed means that if Cutch or Jaso manage to get on opponents most likely won't be able to double him off. Kang is the best power threat on the team and Harrison and Polanco have shown the ability to drive in runs in clutch situations.
VS LHP
Josh Harrison - 2B
Andrew McCutchen - CF
Starling Marte - LF
Jung-Ho Kang - 3B
Francisco Cervelli - C
David Freese - 1B
Michael Morse - RF
Jordy Mercer - SS
Pitcher
I think Freese will push Morse out of the first base platoon, freeing him up to platoon with Polanco in right. Morse is a poor defender, but Hurdle is not stranger to defensive subs and Morse's bat vs lefties well makes up for the difference.
I agree with your assessment of the two lineups. It's odd to see McCutchen batting second, but I know thats how they have been setting the lineup in the spring. Only time well tell if it pays off in the long run!
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