Miami vs Arkansas-Elimination game

[BWCD]

And Abreu and Kennedy. Bat Abreu 6th and Heyward 7th.

No. Spreading out the power in the lineup has helped us turn the lineup over. Instead of a straight 1 thru 9 they have to face, it's a good secondary "top" of the lineup.

Think of Eusebio thru Kennedy as 1 thru 6, and then Lopez thru Heyward as a 1 thru 3.

Our 7-8-9 is really good compared to just about every other team in the nation.

I can agree to disagree...but I like the way the lineup is set up. I think that's one thing that Morris has gotten right this season. He's found a lineup that's worked pretty well and has stuck with it down the stretch.

the problem is lopez leaves a ton of guys on base, Lopez's avg with risp especially in tournament games must be atrocious

The way a lineup like that is set up, Lopez shouldn't be driving in runs. If we're relying on our #7 hitter to be our RBI guy...then we're in trouble anyway. If Collins/Thompson/Kennedy do their jobs, the bases are empty or just have 1 on (in theory). Lopez is there to set the table for Abreu/Heyward, and help get the lineup turned over.

We can agree/disagree on whether that's the right move or not, but really--that's just the theory behind setting up the lineup that way. I agree w/that theory.

good point but throughout the playoffs it always seems collins is leading off innings and Lopez comes to bat with people on base.. Eusebio and Iskendarian have also been struggling lately

I've seen the same thing--you're right about that. But--changing the lineup to have Collins/Thompson/Kennedy/Abreu/Heyward/Lopez down the lineup sets up Lopez and Eusebio back to back, and that's not a good thing with both guys struggling (other than Lopez's 3-3 night against the Gheytors). Mixing in Lopez's speed on the bases above Abreu/Heyward allows them to have a guy who can get on base with some speed for them to knock in.

If I were to re-do the lineup, I'd go this way:

Eusebio
Barr
Heyward
Collins
Thompson
Kennedy
Lopez
Iskenderian
Abreu

That's not a slight to Isky, and it's not Heyward-worship either. To me--Heyward's done enough damage in Omaha to get a bump in the lineup. He's the hot guy. Putting him at the top third of the order theoretically should give him more AB's, which if he stays hot, means more damage to be done. Getting his spark at the plate and on the basepaths could help us to faster starts early in games.

Moving Isky down to 8th puts a historically more consistent hitter behind Lopez...and he's likely to become more consistent again as pitchers might let up on him in the 8th spot in the lineup as opposed to 3rd. And yes--batting lower in the lineup is possibly contributing to Heyward's success, but when a guy is clicking, you have to think seriously about giving him a shot in a tougher part of the lineup. Maybe Heyward could stay hot at 3rd in the lineup, and moving down in the order could help Isky heat up too. If that happens, it's a win-win.

If we keep it as-is...I'm fine with that, stick with what got you this far, I get it. But, if Morris considered a major move like that this late in the season, I'd be impressed. That being said--I doubt he'd do that...he's too predictable. If this postseason and his substitution pattern is any indicator, we'll stay with the normal lineup, and we'll switch Abreu out in the 9th and bring Chester in to LF and Heyward to RF as the replacement.

 

[txcanes]

Not watching. Seeing what's happened to our once great football and baseball programs is just too depressing anymore. I think last night's game was the cherry on top of the chit sundae for me. I'm done.

See ya

 

[txcanes]

All I did was state a fact.

I'm sorry you two aren't mature enough to formulate an intelligent response. You two are insulting the university with your extremely low expectations.

We know what you did, and tired of the act, see ya!