Tonight’s Mets Lineup vs. Nationals

Tonight’s Mets lineup against Washington Nationals lefthander Tom Gorzelanny:

Jose Reyes – SS
Justin Turner – 2B
David Wright – 3B
Carlos Beltran – RF
Jason Bay – LF
Ike Davis – 1B
Scott Hairston – CF
Mike Nickeas – C
R.A. Dickey – P

What is it with Mets managers and their insistence on batting second basemen second in the lineup? Is it because they were all former second basemen who knew how to take a pitch, hit-and-run, hit behind the runner, and bunt? Though, I suppose it’s better to see Turner in the two spot than Scott Hairston. Personally, it wouldn’t bother me to see hot-hitting Jason Bay or David Wright up there — I’d like to be guaranteed that both get an at-bat in the initial inning. And, such a choice would move equally hot Ike Davis up to fifth. Get the big bats to the plate as much as possible, no?

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
  1. xDanTanna April 27, 2011 at 6:11 pm
    I agree… what is puzzling even more so to me. Is the idea TC is sitting Murphy / Thole / Pridie tonight because of a lefty? I have to ride the hot lineup & not let the opposing pitcher dictate fielding a weaker team. I guess in TC’s world a hot hand doesn’t exist. So in all likelihood IMO the winning streak ends tonight & we begin a 5 game losing streak.
  2. Joe April 27, 2011 at 10:56 pm
    Collins is obviously a genius. Even Hu came through. Who? No, Hu.