Could Pirates' All-Star Infielder Take Over Leadoff Spot In Lineup?
· Yahoo Sports
Could Pirates' All-Star Infielder Take Over Leadoff Spot In Lineup? originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Visit moryak.biz for more information.
The Pittsburgh Pirates' leadoff spot in the lineup remains a question mark with outfield slugger Oneil Cruz struggling recently at the plate.
Cruz has been Pittsburgh's primary leadoff batter this season, but after a recent slump, he was moved around in the lineup. With the Pirates struggling to find consistent production in the leadoff spot, MLB.com's Bill Ladson believes the team should consider utilizing two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe at the top of the order.
"Just when the Pirates thought he was reaching his potential in the batter’s box in mid-April, outfielder Oneil Cruz has slumped badly and has a slash line of .194/.248/.347 with 39 strikeouts in his last 22 games," Ladson wrote Sunday. "As recently as Friday against the Giants, manager Don Kelly put Cruz down in the order, placing him fifth, with Jared Triolo at the top spot. This is not permanent.
"Jake Mangum -- currently on the injured list with a hamstring strain -- has seen action from the leadoff spot, but he seems better suited in the bottom of the order. It will be interesting to see if the Pirates would consider Brandon Lowe as a table-setter. Currently the No. 2 hitter in the lineup, Lowe has experience from the top spot -- all with the Rays -- and has a career slash line of .259/.347/.512 with 25 homers."
The Pirates acquired Lowe as part of a three-team trade this winter, and the 31-year-old has had a major impact on the team's offense. Lowe is slashing .259/.361/.563 with 10 home runs and 27 runs batted in through 35 games this season.
Lowe spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, occasionally serving as a leadoff hitter. Though he's known for his power, the 31-year-old would still give Pittsburgh a reliable batter at the top of the order to spark the offense.
More MLB: Oneil Cruz Joins Barry Bonds In Pirates' History Books