Barry Bonds collected his first 2 hits of the spring on Tuesday and he did it hitting from the 3rd spot in the batting order. It was Bonds' first time in the 3 hole since 2002, and according to Bruce Bochy, it may be something that the Giants seriously consider going forward. I found it kind of odd because Bonds' flat out refused to entertain that thought when Felipe Alou suggested it. Maybe there really were terms in Bonds' new contract that is forcing him to be more cooperative with the team. I have mixed feelings about Bonds hitting 3rd. I like the fact that it gets him up in the first inning which causes major trouble for starting pitchers right out of the gate. It would also enable Bonds from leading off the second inning and coming up with the bases empty which he has done too often over the last few years. The thing I don't like about him hitting 3rd is that it moves Ray Durham up to the 4th hole and as much as I enjoyed Durham's turnaround season last year, I don't know if this guy is suited to be a cleanup hitter all season. Bonds is the only legit clean-up hitter on this roster. In a best case scenario, I'd like to see Ryan Klesko crack the lineup on a regular basis and force himself into the 5th spot, Bonds to 4th and Durham to 3rd. If Pedro Feliz continues his poor approach at the plate, I would expect the Giants to use Aurilia at 3rd and Klesko at first. Offensively, this gives the Giants the best lineup, but defensively, Aurilia cannot touch Feliz at the hot corner. Feliz seems like a nice guy and can pick it clean at 3rd base, but I wouldn't mind sacrificing a little defense to save myself the agony of watching him bat 4 times a night.
Barry Bonds collected his first 2 hits of the spring on Tuesday and he did it hitting from the 3rd spot in the batting order. It was Bonds' first time in the 3 hole since 2002, and according to Bruce Bochy, it may be something that the Giants seriously consider going forward. I found it kind of odd because Bonds' flat out refused to entertain that thought when Felipe Alou suggested it. Maybe there really were terms in Bonds' new contract that is forcing him to be more cooperative with the team. I have mixed feelings about Bonds hitting 3rd. I like the fact that it gets him up in the first inning which causes major trouble for starting pitchers right out of the gate. It would also enable Bonds from leading off the second inning and coming up with the bases empty which he has done too often over the last few years. The thing I don't like about him hitting 3rd is that it moves Ray Durham up to the 4th hole and as much as I enjoyed Durham's turnaround season last year, I don't know if this guy is suited to be a cleanup hitter all season. Bonds is the only legit clean-up hitter on this roster. In a best case scenario, I'd like to see Ryan Klesko crack the lineup on a regular basis and force himself into the 5th spot, Bonds to 4th and Durham to 3rd. If Pedro Feliz continues his poor approach at the plate, I would expect the Giants to use Aurilia at 3rd and Klesko at first. Offensively, this gives the Giants the best lineup, but defensively, Aurilia cannot touch Feliz at the hot corner. Feliz seems like a nice guy and can pick it clean at 3rd base, but I wouldn't mind sacrificing a little defense to save myself the agony of watching him bat 4 times a night.
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