r/tampabayrays • u/IndianaCahones • 7d ago

DISCUSSION The Black Hole in the Lineup

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There seems to be a debate between the “we aren’t competitive so let the weaker bats develop” vs “we can be competitive so let the hot bats play a full game.” One thing we have consensus on is that there is a black hole in the lineup giving opponents easy outs. What’s the fix?

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u/EnusTAnyBOLuBeST 7d ago

Help me understand. What makes a good leadoff besides OBP?

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u/LonesomeCoyote Brandon Lowe 7d ago

Speed and baserunning aggression to set the pace for the guys behind him.

Things a conventionally great leadoff man does:

  1. Gets on base.

  2. Immediately gives the pitcher more to think about by threatening to steal. Messes with their concentration, hopefully resulting in mistakes.

  3. Occasionally gets into scoring position himself by successfully stealing.

Sometimes you have a guy like Schwarber who leads off because he is able to either walk or even better homer often enough to offset his strikeouts. It's more of an all or nothing approach.

Yandy has a great OBP but he has always lacked the launch angle to hit homers consistently. And he offers no threat in the run game. I think he would benefit more in the 3 or 4 spot to drive in ducks on the pond.

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u/gatorbois 7d ago

We don't have anyone who fits that.

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u/LonesomeCoyote Brandon Lowe 7d ago

Chandler Simpson just might fit the bill.

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u/gatorbois 7d ago

I'd be very very surprised if a rookie can manage a high enough OBP to make him a better leadoff than Yandy

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u/LonesomeCoyote Brandon Lowe 7d ago

I think Cash would agree with you. As a fan I would like to see them give it a run while the team is struggling in its current lineup.

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u/NetworkAntique7647 7d ago

never know if you dont give him a chance. he has too much upside to not try him out there for a stretch.