Lineup Juggling

In thinking about this year's 2008 squad, it's the first spring in many years where the team's starting position players are basically set. Snyder behind the dish, Jackson at first, O-Dog at second, Drew at short, Reynolds at third, Byrnes in left, Young in center, and Upton in right. What could be interesting is the batting order. Bob Melvin has never been one to be shy about juggling the order around on a day-to-day basis, and there probably won't be any reason he'll change that approach this year. However, I have come up with a batting order that is a bit unconventional, but one that could bring a different dynamic. Here goes...

1. Stephen Drew
2. Chris Young
3. Conor Jackson
4. Chris Snyder
5. Eric Byrnes
6. Orlando Hudson
7. Justin Upton
8. Mark Reynolds

Jackson and Snyder really came into their own in the second half of last year and putting them in the middle of the lineup will keep their confidence up and may allow them to continue improving. Hitting Reynolds 8th...well...he strikes out at such a pace that pitchers may be more inclined to throw to him in that slot knowing the pitcher is next. Having O-dog hit so far down may seem ludicrous, but he brings stability to the latter half of the order and allows Upton to have many RBI chances with he and Byrnes behind him.