Charlie Manuel Talks Moving Jimmy Rollins Around In The Lineup
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – In previous seasons, Charlie Manuel's lineups were a lot like the Ronco Rotisserie; set it and forget it.
Injuries forced some lineup changes in 2012, and with some new pieces, and some probable platoons, it seems like Manuel will have to keep adjusting in 2013.
"Right now, we're trying to figure out which is the best way to separate our left-handed hitters against left-handed pitchers," Manuel told 94WIP's Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow. "Even if we move [Jimmy] Rollins in the two-hole. On days when Ben [Revere] leads off it gives us Rollins hitting second and [Chase] Utley third, [Ryan] Howard fourth, [Michael] Young fifth, and [Domonic] Brown sixth. On some days when Young is hitting third---or hitting second, Dom [Brown] might hit fifth."
Revere leading off and Rollins hitting second was an immediate thought when the Phillies traded for the speedy centerfielder, and has happened during Spring Training. Rollins has moved from the leadoff spot occasionally, but always ended up back at the top of the lineup.
"I like the way that our lineup is shaking out. I'd like to [Carloz] Ruiz in there as soon as possible and I'd like to get Delmon Young, like when we get more healthy and see more about him," Manuel said. "With those two guys we could have a chance to have a real good offense."
The Phillies came in to Spring Training with quite a few "ifs," to sort out. Some have worked out well, like Domonic Brown and Mike Adams, and some are still "iffy," like Roy Halladay. Still, Manuel remains positive that things will work out.
"I like how we've been doing our work," Manuel said. "I like how we've been playing the game. I like how our coaching staff---we really talk a lot during the game. We talk about our at-bats, we talk about mistakes that we're making on defense, or how we want to play defense. Everything about it is talking and communication."
