Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Just Thinking Out Loud Here: Possible 2011 Lineup

After Keith Law's comment in his recent chat about Brett Lawrie possibly moving to the OF if his glove is not good enough at 2B, it got me to thinking. If he would move to LF and we keep Weeks around to play 2B long term, what would that lineup look like? Well with a few other prospects probably another year away from the big club, this could be the Brewers opening day lineup in 2011. This is under the assumption that Fielder is kept around and not traded, even if he does not sign an extension. Remember, he is under team control through 2011. I have to say, this lineup make me giddy looking at it on paper.

1. Alcides Escobar- SS
2. Brett Lawrie- LF
3. Ryan Braun- RF
4. Prince Fielder- 1B
5. Rickie Weeks- 2B
6. Mat Gamel- 3B
7. Lorenzo Cain- CF
8. Jonathan Lucroy- C

It would be a pretty young lineup, but one with a good combination of speed and power. Lawrie, Cain and Lucroy would all be in their first years but should all be ready to contribute to the big club in 2011. Braun, Fielder and Weeks are your veterans (young ones at that) and Escobar and Gamel will both have 1+ years of MLB experience as they should be starters in 2010. You look at this lineup and it is very young, but I think loaded with potential and the talent to win right away. What do you think?

4 comments:

Kyle Lobner said...

As long as Weeks is with the team, I'd be surprised to see him bat anywhere but leadoff.

Escobar's a little miscast there anyway - he doesn't really have the plate discipline to ever be more than a .340 or so OBP guy, even if he hits .300.

So I'd adjust your lineup to this:

Weeks
Escobar
Braun
Fielder
Gamel
Lawrie
Cain
Lucroy

And if Lucroy can keep his plate discipline up, don't discount the fact that he could move up in the order too, maybe even up to the #2 spot.

asdkd said...

I agree with the idea of escobar not batting leadoff, until he improves his plate discipline and OBP he shouldnt be handed such major responsibilities. I have always loved the idea of Gamel in the 2 hole. Combine his good average and decent speed with the fact that the 2-3-4 spots in the line up will be L-R-L.

Weeks
Gamel
Braun
Fielder
Lawrie
Lucroy
Cain or schafer
SP
Escobar


With little money being spent on Gamel, Lawrie, Lucroy, Cain or schafer, and escobar ,there would be a good chance that resigning feilder is actually a possibility

JD said...

I'm fine with Weeks batting leadoff, but I sure like his run producing ability 5th between the two left handed bats Fielder and Gamel. I know people don't think Escobar can get on base enough, but I say give him a chance and shuffle later. I think Lawrie could bat just about anywhere besides 3 and 4 of course which is taken.

JD said...

One more thing, as Kyle pointed out in the Frosty Mug this lineup could be very productive and they would all be under 30. And all homegrown. That is how you build a winner. That is the right way to build a club.