FanNation

I really liked that batting order last night, with Kennedy in the 2 slot and Duncan moved down. I think Kennedy could be an effective 2 hitter. He's been making good contact and you know he'll see fastballs batting in front of Albert. I also liked that it gives us more power in the 6 spot. I haven't liked that our 6-9 has been some combo of Kennedy, Molina, the pitcher and Izturis. Just not much pop there. I'd rather see Ludwick or Dunc hitting sixth, with Kennedy or Miles batting second. Terrific performance by Pineiro last night, too.

I would have to agree. When the game started yesterday I saw the lineup and the first thing that I came to was this could work. I think that Kennedy is a better contact hitter than Duncan and can get on-base more often.. and, of course, that is what we need going into the meat of the order (Pujols, Glaus, Ankiel). You bring up Ludwick.. dont even get me started with that situation. He has better stats than most everybody on the team and is still getting pinch-hit roles here and there. I KNOW that there isnt anybody to sit but I think someone needs to find out if Ludwick's stats are for real, because if they are.. then we just got a whole lot better with him starting. Maybe we should do what I have said all along, trade Duncan. He is young, get something for him. I dont know about the rest of STL, but I DO NOT like him one bit. I am glad that you said something about Pineiro. This is know 2 straight starts where he has been rediculous and I think he will continue to do good.

Todays game just finished with us winning, 5-2. We had 13 hits and roughed Harang (Reds best pitcher) up pretty good. Ankiel went 3-3 with 2 RBIs. It is great to see him doing good after a bit of a slump here lately. The even better thing I saw was that we got 5 runs without any homeruns. Therefore, we are getting CLUTCH hits and just hits period.. which is what we lacked last year. The power will be there, we have 4 potential 30-HR hitters, so power isnt a problem.

I agree with you on Ludwick. I think Tony has to find ways to get him in the lineup more. With the way Schumaker is setting the table, I think he has to be in the leadoff spot, and when Ankiel is hot, I definitely want him out there. That leaves Duncan. I don't dislike Duncan per se, but I think sometimes Ludwick has proven to be more of a clutch hitter than Duncan. The thing that worries me about Ludwick is getting him over-exposed though. I think of him like a Craig Pauquette type.....when he is in the lineup sporadically, he is very productive, but if he plays every day, he gets overexposed and pitchers get him out.

I was also glad to see that we beat Harang (who is usually tough on us), and that Looper got a win. He deserved it after his win on Friday was taken away with the blown save in the 9th. I think he only gave up 2 hits in 7 innings that night. VERY good to see Ankiel start to swing the bat again, but he is back at Busch. Maybe the key is to play him every day at home, but give Ludwick more ABs on the road, because Ankiel seems to slump as soon as he leaves STL

I am liking Kennedy in the two spot more and more......