Quick Observation of the O's Lineup: 6-16-11

As a point of reference, listed below are the current OPS numbers for the O's position players:

Hardy 0.880 Reimold 0.861 Scott 0.780 Jones 0.778 Tatum 0.777 Reynolds 0.763 Wieters 0.741 Vlad 0.717 Andino 0.649 Markakis 0.639 Lee 0.597 Pie 0.556 Adams 0.519

In 2010, the standard for an above-average hitter was an OPS around .800.  It's probably closer to .775 this year. You have to throw out the Reimold, Tatum, and Adams OPS numbers due to small sample.  But for everybody else, we are a third of the way through the season, so small sample/slumps/etc are no longer a valid excuse.  After today's 4-3 win over the Blue Jays in which the O's only scored 2 runs off a AA pitcher in 7 innings, I can no longer hold my tongue on how terrible the lineup is that Buck assembles for each game.

Listed below are some ideas for improving the O's lineup while looking towards the future:

1.  J.J. Hardy should be the leadoff hitter every night (unless he is getting a day off).  Buck seems to have adopted this idea, but I'm not so sure he will stick with it.  If it is a Hardy rest day, put Markakis leadoff.  It's time to accept the fact that Markakis is not an elite run producer (at least not for this year).  Maximize his ability to get on base with slap hits, walks, and the occasional double by removing the pressure to hit HRs.

2.  Stop batting Vlad cleanup!!  Based on OPS, he is the 6th best hitter among the regulars.  Scott or Wieters needs to bat cleanup.  I only need one stat to support this claim: Wieters bats .500 with RISP.  Enough said.

3.  Teach Wieters to play 1B.  This isn't happening this year, but it should be a point of emphasis for next year.  I would like to see him catch 4 days a week, play first once, and DH/Rest on the other.  We need to extend his career (see Mauer's injury problems = Wieters in 4 years).

4.  Find out what you have in Pie, Adams, and Reimold by playing them every game.  Giving them consistent at-bats will allow them to relax and not worry that an 0 for 4 or error will put them on the bench for a week.

My Proposed Lineups based on current OPS numbers:

 Against RHP:

1. Hardy SS
2. Markakis RF
3. Jones CF
4. Wieters C
5. Scott DH
6. Reynolds 3B
7. Lee 1B
8. Pie LF
9. Adams 2B

Against LHP:

1. Hardy SS
2. Markakis RF
3. Jones CF
4. Wieters C
5. Lee 1B
6. Reynolds 3B
7. Vlad DH
8. Andino 2B
9. Reimold LF

I don't think any of this will ever happen, but I can dream and state my opinions.  It's time for change.  Find a way to get rid of Vlad and Lee (and maybe Scott).  Take pennies on the dollar for Lee and Vlad, but you should get something decent back for Scott.  If we unload two of them, maybe we'll get the chance to see whether Pie and/or Reimold are everyday players.

Go O's!!