[wvuauthor]

Who would you bat cleanup? This article was published in the PGH Post-Gazette today..

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06054/660051.stm

I am not so sure that it matters to much, but I like Manager Jim Tracy's idea of seeing who the opposing pitcher is. Casey's .321 average against left-handers over the past three years is much better than Burnitz's .253, so he might be the stronger choice to hit higher.

[BigBadBuc]

Casey puts the ball in play more often. I want him batting fourth but Tracy hasn't ask my opinion on anything yet.

BBB

[steelers]

Casey definetly puts the ball in play more often, but I still like Tracy's idea of seeing who the opposing pitcher is first.

Do you guys think that Burnitz will be able to take advantage of the short wall in right field this season??

[Mid-depth_Reporter]

Casey definitely puts the ball into play more than Burnitz. Of course, Casey also had one of his power-drained years in 2005.

In 2004, Casey hit 24 HR and 99 RBI. In 2003, he hit 14 HR and 80 RBI. With Burnitz getting up there in age, they both pose a potential threat.

Jim Tracy definitely has the right idea in waiting to see who the opposing pitcher. However, you got to ask yourself, who are the relief pitchers and closers not wanting to see in the lineup in a clutch situation, Casey or Burnitz?

So, here's a few 2005 stats to mull over.

With runners in scoring position:

Casey - .286, Burnitz - .262

With two outs:

Casey - .289, Burnitz - .233

In late innings of close games:

Casey - .350, Burnitz - .241


With that said, I think on any given day, you take Casey before Burnitz.

[Lefty Noob]

I'm surprised Bay isn't in the mix. He hit .306 last season with 32 HRs, 101 RBI and 110 runs scored. I imagine he'll be hitting third?

[BigBadBuc]

Lefty,

You want Bay batting third. He will get more at bats batting third and he provides speed at the top of the lineup.

BBB

[wvuauthor]

I agree, I like Bay hitting in the third position. The Pirates could have a very strong 3-4-5 if Bay, Casey, and Burnitz have good seasons.