Well, so much for our Opening Day lineup predictions (except for those two of nine folks who got this right).
In an interview with media this morning, Brian Roberts – finally free of all concussion symptoms – revealed that he will be batting ninth to start the season and possibly for the foreseeable future.
In last night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Roberts was ninth in the order, after hitting first or second every time he had played previously this spring. It was notable because last night’s starter for Tampa was David Price, who will also start on Opening Day against the Birds.
Per Roch Kobatko’s Twitter account, Roberts said he has no problem with his new spot in the order:
As Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore notes, the last time Roberts hit ninth was in 2004. He hit third for a couple games back in September 2009.
If Roberts hits ninth every day, I’d have to imagine that means Nick Markakis will return to the leadoff role he manned so adequately last season. Nate McLouth (against righties) or Nolan Reimold (lefties) would likely bat second, with Adam Jones third, followed by some combination of Chris Davis and Matt Wieters.
I doubt Buck would have Roberts bat first against righties but ninth against lefties, but in that case Markakis would probably slide down to second, with McLouth at the bottom of the order.
It will be weird to see Roberts batting anywhere other than leadoff, but we’ll get used to it – especially if the Birds are winning. Basically, I trust Buck to put the best lineup possible out there.
One Response
Derek,
I have no problems with Buck batting Roberts in the 9th position. He’s come a long way; I read some projections before spring training started that Brian would be lucky to be the 25th man on a 25 man roster and should be thankful for that. Clearly he’s shown to be better than a dugout place holder and has earned his old spot back at second base.
Let’s see how he does over the first part of the season; will he hit or be an automatic out; will he stay healthy or break down like he’s done in the past 3 years. Anything he can contribute will be a positive.