If only that described our teams!

[BC867]

'Saw a bit in the paper today, which said, "The Sacramento Kings have used the same starting lineup in 29 of their first 30 games ... The Kings haven't had a losing month since April 2002."

How I wish the Diamondbacks and Suns had that same mentality.

It's dependent, of course, on injuries. But I believe that, if a ballplayer comes to the arena or park every game, knowing his role, and having devoted full practice to it, he'll be better at it, and less prone to injury as well.

Jerry made reference recently to the importance of each player knowing his role. We'll see if it was lip service or if he really meant it ... upon the return of Amare and Zarco to the Suns ... and then if the D'backs repeat their 130 different starting lineups next season.

 

[moviegeekjn]

Originally posted by BC867
and then if the D'backs repeat their 130 different starting lineups next season.

Much depends on the makeup of the team as well.... Ol' Case was SEVERELY criticized for his platooning (including harsh criticism from his players), but his Yanks of the 50's still did pretty well...

 

[schillingfan]

The '93 Phillies platooned both left and right field. Worked a treat as their fielders had pretty strong lefty/right splits. I believe that Earl Weaver platooned with some success as well.

That said, I believe Brenly took situational matchups to extreme. But I for one favor flexible line-ups. Among other things it keeps your bench much fresher. I believe the extensive use of the bench in 2001 was a major contributor to the D-Backs success. Part of the strong bench was good personnel, but equally important was the number of opportunities the bench guys got, which not only helped their performance, but helped the "elder" regulars by keeping them fresh as well.

I think there is a happy medium between Brenly's 130 line-ups and trotting out the same guys in the same line-up day after day.

 

[KingLouieLouie]

I see the Dbacks having more of a set line-up (barring injuries)
than theyve had in the past....

Finley-CF
Cintron-SS (amended from before)
Gonzalez-LF
Sexson-1B
Hillenbrand-3B
Hammock-C
Kata/(or Hairston)-2B
Bautista-RF

Baerga would probably start at 2B once a week, and Mayne filling in for Hammock (when that happens Hammock would start in RF)..

I still hope they acquire one OF before the season begins (more than likely won't until the end of Spring Training)..... Colbrunn will strictly be used as a pinch-hitter.... One of the positives about Sexson is that he didnt miss a game last season, which gives them the stability at 1B that necessitated most of those line-up changes last season....

Does anyone know the status of Gonzalez? Is he right on schedule?

 

[BC867]

Re: Re: If only that described our teams!

Originally posted by moviegeekjn
Much depends on the makeup of the team as well.... Ol' Case was SEVERELY criticized for his platooning (including harsh criticism from his players), but his Yanks of the 50's still did pretty well...

I actually consider a regular platoon to be part of a consistent lineup.

Each player still comes to the park knowing his role and getting accustomed to a set rotation throughout the season.

The Mets of '69 platooned at four positions and ironically, faced lefties in four of the five World Series games. Regular 1B Eddie Kranepool hit a HR in his one game and Donn Clendenon, the veteran backup, hit 3 in his 4 games.

.300 hitter Art Shamsky started one game in RF and his backup Ron Swoboda had clutch hits and made great catches playing the other four. And backups Ed Charles at 3B and super-sub Al Weis at 2B did very well in their four games, as well.

The Miracle Mets, after losing the first game, swept the Orioles in 2-3-4-5 to become World Champs.

It was a variation, but a regular one, as opposed to the haphazard daily lineups we've seen during the D'backs decline.

 

[moviegeekjn]

Re: Re: Re: If only that described our teams!

Originally posted by BC867
It was a variation, but a regular one, as opposed to the haphazard daily lineups we've seen during the D'backs decline.

The haphazard daily lineups occurred during the 2001 season as well.... so you can NOT attribute "decline" solely due to the daily lineup changes.

 

[BC867]

Re: Re: Re: Re: If only that described our teams!

Originally posted by moviegeekjn
The haphazard daily lineups occurred during the 2001 season as well.... so you can NOT attribute "decline" solely due to the daily lineup changes.

As I just mentioned in the thread about Robbie Alomar, the early Suns had a Cinderella year, playing small ball against the Celtics, and have clung to that weak philosophy ever since. Thirty-six years in existence without a Championship.

The D'backs had an early Cinderella year, with haphazard lineups, and did beat the Yankees. But have clung to that philosophy ever since. And each season has been worse than the one before it.

As Jerry Colangelo approaches his 100th birthday in 35 years or so, are we going to be talking about the D'backs only Championship?

 

[newfan101]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: If only that described our teams!

Originally posted by BC867

The D'backs had an early Cinderella year, with haphazard lineups, and did beat the Yankees. But have clung to that philosophy ever since. And each season has been worse than the one before it.

You are absolutely ridiculous. Each season???? It's been two for crying out loud. They've been in the league 6!!!!!
Now you've found a way to blame Jerry for this past season, as if his philosophy had more to do with the teams decline than the age of Johnson and Shilling. Un-freaken believable. Your incessant whining and complaining about Jerry in every post has grown old. Very old.

I've lived here as long as you BC, so don't give me the "when you've watched a Colangelo led team for 35 years ... you'll understand BS." I'm sorry Jerry peed in your cornflakes, but it's time to start blaming someone else. Go root for the Clippers, Cardinals and Cubs for 5 years, and then come back and tell us what a horrible owner Colangelo is.

 

[Djaughe]

Well...on that note - I'm looking forward to watching the d-backs this year!

I think its obvious that the NL west seems to have lost alot of talent. Even though the D-backs don't have the vets - at least we don't have to listen about the financial problems all the time!