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Brewers to Bat Jason Kendall 9th?

Posted on February 23rd, 2008 by Old Navy King

As per Anthony Witrado of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers manager Ned Yost has been playing around with different possibilities for his batting order for Opening Day. But one of those possibilities includes batting his catcher, Jason Kendall, in the 9-hole. Wait, you say… this is the National League… the pitcher hits 9th dude. Yes, that is normally the case, but Yost is going by another theory, one that has actually been used before by Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.

His plan involves moving up sluggers Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder into the #2 and #3 spots, respectively. He feels that will get Braun about 40 extra plate appearances over the course of the season, and teams want their best players hitting as frequently as possible. It only makes sense. As for hitting Kendall in the #9 slot, the thought it that Kendall will be on base for Braun when the lineup turns over, effectively making Braun a #3 hitter again, and Fielder the clean-up hitter. Thoughts?

Filed under: Milwaukee Brewers

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4 Responses to “Brewers to Bat Jason Kendall 9th?”

  1. Pete, on February 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm Said:

    I like it. I assume Weeks would be batting leadoff then. Interesting idea, if nothing else. Kendall might be worse than any pitcher at the plate anyway!

  2. Nick Christie, on February 24th, 2008 at 7:59 am Said:

    I like it, I really do. Maybe not everyday, depending on the opposing pitcher and all, but I think the idea has a lot of sense, especially if your lineup is as top-heavy as Brewers’ is… I wonder where Corey Hart figures in though?

    I think Weeks, Hart, Braun, Fielder, etc. isn’t too bad either, although I suppos if you batted Hart fourth or 5th, he could still steal if no one else was on base, or he and Braun could even double steal.

  3. McFleece, on February 24th, 2008 at 8:03 am Said:

    I’ve always liked this theory and never understood why it doesn’t get more attention.

    Nice ball, Ned.

  4. Omar Rocks!, on February 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm Said:

    That’s freaking genius.

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