Now, until Utley comes back, I would hit Brown 3rd. Ibanez just is not that good right now imo. Brown would get a lot of confindence hitting in front of Howard to start off. That could be huge later on. His strikeout rate has gotten better through the minor leagues so hitting third, to me, would not be a problem in the short-term. Lets see what this kid can do and with Utley out, this the perfect time to put him in a spot where he will see a lot of fastballs.
I don't think you would be asking him to save the season, but I see your point. I just think his confindence would be at an all-time high hitting in front of Howard. When is Utley due back? If Brown were to hit 3rd, it would not be for too long, but the amount of fastballs he would see could get him off to hot start. I don't think there would be a lot of pressure because he knows it would only be temporary. And yes, Ibanez has hit well in the 3 hole and they are both left-handed so who knows. I would just love to see what he could do in front of Howard for couple of weeks.
I know what your saying and I'd like to see what Brown could do, but that's a lot asking a kid. He has barely played in Triple AAA and putting him in the 3 hole to wake up the Phillies offense isn't a good idea. Kid has gotten a lot of hype and you want him to be in a position to succeed. If he struggles early in the three hole his confidence could go down the tubes especially a city like Philly. People around here think he is the savior and cure to all problems. Even guys like Pujols and Utley didn't hit three spot right away.
Do what Braves and Marlins did with Heyward and Stanton hitting bottom of the order then eventually move up.
Excellent points. Stanton's strikeout rate is what got him hitting seventh to start out. He should never hit above 4th or 5th. I love how the Braves handled Heyward and that is the best point. Brown should be handled the same way minus the injuries, but with no Utley, try hitting him third a few times. The one guy that was taylor made to hit third right away was Carlos Santana and that is exactley what the Indians did. When you walk more than you strikeout in your minor league career, that is just sick. Love that kid. Really enjoyed this conversation Mr. Cover. Hoping more people chime in.....
Fuck Upton he is a lazy sob and doesn't play hard at all. You know in Philly we want hard working players which Upton is the exact opposite.
They have Ibanez who they can't move and Victorino is better than Upton so no point to get him.
Now the Cardinals are front runners to get Oswalt anyway. Oswalt wants his 2012 $16 million option picked up and that's a deal breaker. Phillies are done man.
They have Ibanez who they can't move and Victorino is better than Upton so no point to get him.
Now the Cardinals are front runners to get Oswalt anyway. Oswalt wants his 2012 $16 million option picked up and that's a deal breaker. Phillies are done man.
