2017 Lineup

[DPMOmaha]

But its not really a given that Turner is going to be a plus hitter this season, is it? Is it just a speed thing? Because I think Eaton and Rendon at the top (both fine baserunners) is more than enough speed.

I guess I shouldn't be such a reactionary about Turner's slow start. But frankly, you have a lot of guys who look really good at the plate right now, and Rendon isn't even hitting yet. I guess it's a good problem to have.

Nothing is ever a given. But if Turner does get back to full speed, I want him at the top of the lineup, Eaton #2. I'd listen to arguments for other scenarios, but that's what I'd like to see in a perfect situation.

[Slateman]

But its not really a given that Turner is going to be a plus hitter this season, is it? Is it just a speed thing? Because I think Eaton and Rendon at the top (both fine baserunners) is more than enough speed.

I guess I shouldn't be such a reactionary about Turner's slow start. But frankly, you have a lot of guys who look really good at the plate right now, and Rendon isn't even hitting yet. I guess it's a good problem to have.

Assuming Rendon ever starts hitting ...

[HalfSmokes]

But its not really a given that Turner is going to be a plus hitter this season, is it? Is it just a speed thing? Because I think Eaton and Rendon at the top (both fine baserunners) is more than enough speed.

I guess I shouldn't be such a reactionary about Turner's slow start. But frankly, you have a lot of guys who look really good at the plate right now, and Rendon isn't even hitting yet. I guess it's a good problem to have.

8 spot seems like a bad place for a young hitter to learn

[Optics]

Turner is too good to not hit lead off. He'll get it going eventually. Rendon is off to a slow start, but he had a bad April last year too. I guess he's like the new young Ryan Zimmerman who always sucked in April and then hit like .450 in May.

[Squab]

If Dusty is so concerned with L-R balance, just go Eaton-Turner instead of Turner-Eaton. It doesn't make any real difference.

[Ali the Baseball Cat]

Going 0-6 in a game where the Nats had 19 hits is an amazing accomplishment.

Assuming Rendon ever starts hitting ...

[Truconfidence]

If Dusty is so concerned with L-R balance, just go Eaton-Turner instead of Turner-Eaton. It doesn't make any real difference.

it does if you want Turner to steal alot.

[GburgNatsFan]

it does if you want Turner to steal alot.

Given that hammies take forever to heal completley, maybe Eaton should lead off for a while even after Turner is back. Turner could watch his pain-in-the-pitcher's-ass approach for a few months, too.

[rileyn]

Given that hammies take forever to heal completley, maybe Eaton should lead off for a while even after Turner is back. Turner could watch his pain-in-the-pitcher's-ass approach for a few months, too.

Agreed. 

[NatsAllThe Way]

Agreed. 

I third that motion.

[whytev]

If Dusty is so concerned with L-R balance, just go Eaton-Turner instead of Turner-Eaton. It doesn't make any real difference.

This.

[DPMOmaha]

When Triple Trea and Mighty Mouse get back together next week, find out if they can make defenses look like the silly cartoon characters.

I'm with Boz.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/adam-eaton-is-right-where-he-belongs-at-the-top-of-the-nationals-lineup/2017/04/12/f3f08906-1fba-11e7-a0a7-8b2a45e3dc84_story.html?utm_term=.6dc74e990245

[DPMOmaha]

Through 12 games, the Nats are 2nd in the majors in runs per game, and first in the NL. Nats are tied with the Yankees at 5/game, Texas has the highest average with 5.17/game.

Dbacks (63), Reds (62) and Mets (61) have all scored more runs, but have played 13 games. The Dodgers have also scored 60 runs in 13 games, same as the Nats, but we've done it in 12.

[Optics]

Through 12 games, the Nats are 2nd in the majors in runs per game, and first in the NL. Nats are tied with the Yankees at 5/game, Texas has the highest average with 5.17/game.

Dbacks (63), Reds (62) and Mets (61) have all scored more runs, but have played 13 games. The Dodgers have also scored 60 runs in 13 games, same as the Nats, but we've done it in 12.

Wait till Turner starts to get going. This offense could be scary good.

[GburgNatsFan]

Me too, at least until Trea learns from Eaton's pesky, gritty at-bats.

I'm with Boz.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/adam-eaton-is-right-where-he-belongs-at-the-top-of-the-nationals-lineup/2017/04/12/f3f08906-1fba-11e7-a0a7-8b2a45e3dc84_story.html?utm_term=.6dc74e990245

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

Rendon has ALWAYS hit.  His only problem has been staying on the field.  He already has started to heat up over the weekend.  Anybody questioning if he will hit after 2 weeks is not the smartest of baseball fans.

I think you slot Turner #2 when he returns.  Eaton is doing everything you could want from a leadoff guy and is more experienced in that role.  You also breakup the lefties.  After Murphy, you might just sort of ride the hot hand between Rendon, Zimmerman, and Werth.  Stack them based on that. 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Truth - I'm still an Eaton / Werth guy for ##1&2.  I like the OBP, I like splitting lefties, but I think Turner runs more at #6 than at #2. I think he runs more at #6 than at #2.  Leadoff is the other option for Turner, but then I'd hit Murphy second, Rendon 3d, and Harper 4th, with Werth or RZ followed by Eaton. 

I build the lineup around having Murphy and Harper in 2 of the 3 slots in 2-3-4.  Everything else fits around that.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

Truth - I'm still an Eaton / Werth guy for ##1&2.  I like the OBP, I like splitting lefties, but I think Turner runs more at #6 than at #2. I think he runs more at #6 than at #2.  Leadoff is the other option for Turner, but then I'd hit Murphy second, Rendon 3d, and Harper 4th, with Werth or RZ followed by Eaton. 

I build the lineup around having Murphy and Harper in 2 of the 3 slots in 2-3-4.  Everything else fits around that.

I'm keeping Murphy behind Harper.  Otherwise it's the parade of walks we saw last year before they made that move. 

[Truconfidence]

Truth - I'm still an Eaton / Werth guy for ##1&2.  I like the OBP, I like splitting lefties, but I think Turner runs more at #6 than at #2. I think he runs more at #6 than at #2.  Leadoff is the other option for Turner, but then I'd hit Murphy second, Rendon 3d, and Harper 4th, with Werth or RZ followed by Eaton. 

I build the lineup around having Murphy and Harper in 2 of the 3 slots in 2-3-4.  Everything else fits around that.

I agree putting Turner at 2 limits his greatest attribute or makes it so Bryce never gets to hit.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I'm keeping Murphy behind Harper.  Otherwise it's the parade of walks we saw last year before they made that move. 

If Zimmerman is back to being a middle of the order hitter, maybe that is enough protection for Bryce. 

Best though would be to flip flop Eaton and Turner at leadoff and #6 depending on handedness of the pitcher.

RHP:  Eaton / Werth / Harper / Murphy / Rendon / Turner / Wieters / Face
LHP:  Turner / Werth / Harper / Murphy / Rendon / Eaton / Face / Wieters

[Optics]

I don't think Werth is good enough at this stage of his career to be hitting 2nd.

[whytev]

I agree putting Turner at 2 limits his greatest attribute or makes it so Bryce never gets to hit.

It only limits his greatest attribute if Eaton gets on every time, and if Eaton gets on every time, he deserves to be the leadoff man.

Let's say it's the top of the first, Eaton is out, Turner gets on. Now you have Turner threatening to steal while Bryce is trying to hit. No pitcher will be comfortable with that. Bryce will see fewer breaking balls.

[whytev]

I don't think Werth is good enough at this stage of his career to be hitting 2nd.

Sure he is, but not on this team.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I don't think Werth is good enough at this stage of his career to be hitting 2nd.

Truly disagree with this.  His OBP is still good, you want a #2 who takes pitches, and steals are not all that valuable in front of Bryce and Murphy (see below)

It only limits his greatest attribute if Eaton gets on every time, and if Eaton gets on every time, he deserves to be the leadoff man.

Let's say it's the top of the first, Eaton is out, Turner gets on. Now you have Turner threatening to steal while Bryce is trying to hit. No pitcher will be comfortable with that. Bryce will see fewer breaking balls.

If he steals, then Bryce gets walked.  Not the worst result if you like Murphy hitting with 2 guys on, but it means that of your two best hitters, only one gets pitched to.  If you bat him 6th, they probably don't walk Face to get to Wieters, and if they do,

[Ray D]

I don't think Werth is good enough at this stage of his career to be hitting 2nd.

He still is good to get on base at a .350 rate and hit 20 homeruns.  That's good enough to bat second.