MESA, Ariz. (AP)—Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella plans to experiment with his batting order this spring to see where Kosuke Fukudome can best help the team. The Japanese star might hit third, a spot where he feels most comfortable.
That would mean a drop from third to fourth for former NL batting champion Derrek Lee and a switch from fourth to fifth for last year’s team RBI leader, Aramis Ramirez.
“I think Lou probably has 100 lineups in his head like he did at this point last year,” Lee said Friday.
But he made it clear early in camp that he doesn’t care where he bats.
“Whatever makes this team win games,” Lee said.
He’s had an informal discussion with batting coach Gerald Perry about the move, and Piniella said he’ll talk to his first baseman about it as well.
As the No. 3 hitter, the left-handed hitting Fukudome would follow leadoff hitter Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot. It could give the Cubs more speed at the top of the lineup, while also busting up a long stretch of right-handed hitters.
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02-23-2008, 08:42 AM
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