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Lineup 2/28: AK atop, Juan Gone in
By Derrick Goold
02/28/2008 7:40 am
JUPITER, Fla. — While talking with players for today’s article on the Cardinals’ search for a leadoff hitter, second baseman Adam Kennedy raved about the role. He talked about how it gets him instantly into the flow of the game. How the responsibility brings immediate “intensity” to an at-bat. He said it’s a good way for a hitter to contribute by setting a tone.
Then, as he walked away to hit the cage, he said:
“I don’t think I’ll be in that role, really.”
Spoke too soon.
As the Cardinals open Grapefruit League play this afternoon against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium, Kennedy is starting at second base and hitting leadoff. Though Kennedy’s initial thought had its substance. Though last year was a career worst for him (.219 average, et. al.), he actually improved his numbers as a leadoff hitter.
He came to the Cardinals with a .196 average in the spot, but in 65 at-bats at leadoff last season, he hit .246/.279/.277 and raised his career line to .225/.246/.270.
“I don’t know what (manager Tony La Russa’s) thoughts are and if this is a reality for me to have a chance at being there,” Kennedy said. “But this is a great opportunity to have an important spot, if that’s the case. Starting today, starting right off I guess, it’s a big deal, a big opportunity for me to show.”
The Cardinals (0-0):
And out of the bullpen: RHP Hugo Castellanos; RHP Kelvin Jimenez; RHP Jason Motte; RHP Mark Worrell; LHP Jaime Garcia and, as depth, RHP Tyler Herron.
The Mets (0-1):
By Derrick Goold
02/28/2008 7:40 am
JUPITER, Fla. — While talking with players for today’s article on the Cardinals’ search for a leadoff hitter, second baseman Adam Kennedy raved about the role. He talked about how it gets him instantly into the flow of the game. How the responsibility brings immediate “intensity” to an at-bat. He said it’s a good way for a hitter to contribute by setting a tone.
Then, as he walked away to hit the cage, he said:
“I don’t think I’ll be in that role, really.”
Spoke too soon.
As the Cardinals open Grapefruit League play this afternoon against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium, Kennedy is starting at second base and hitting leadoff. Though Kennedy’s initial thought had its substance. Though last year was a career worst for him (.219 average, et. al.), he actually improved his numbers as a leadoff hitter.
He came to the Cardinals with a .196 average in the spot, but in 65 at-bats at leadoff last season, he hit .246/.279/.277 and raised his career line to .225/.246/.270.
“I don’t know what (manager Tony La Russa’s) thoughts are and if this is a reality for me to have a chance at being there,” Kennedy said. “But this is a great opportunity to have an important spot, if that’s the case. Starting today, starting right off I guess, it’s a big deal, a big opportunity for me to show.”
The Cardinals (0-0):
- Adam Kennedy, 2B
- Rick Ankiel, CF
- Albert Pujols, 1B
- Troy Glaus, 3B
- Chris Duncan, LF
- Juan Gonzalez, DH
- Skip Schumaker, RF
- Cesar Izturis, SS
- Jason LaRue, C
And out of the bullpen: RHP Hugo Castellanos; RHP Kelvin Jimenez; RHP Jason Motte; RHP Mark Worrell; LHP Jaime Garcia and, as depth, RHP Tyler Herron.
The Mets (0-1):
- Jose Reyes, SS
- Fernando Martinez, CF
- David Wright, 3B
- Carlos Delgado, 1B
- Moises Alou, LF
- Ryan Church, RF
- Ruben Gotay, 2B
- Brian Schneider, C
- Marlon Anderson, DH
***
A quick bit of news from this morning: RHP Joel Pineiro felt a stiffness in his pitching shoulder yesterday and could not do a scheduled batting practice session. He will miss his first scheduled game start, which was set for Sunday. La Russa said after Pineiro went through from tests the club is comfortable with his arm and shoulder strength but must find a way for him to get stretched and loose for his next throw. More info on this later.
We might start the season with more starting pitchers on the DL than in the rotation at this rate.
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