Lineup Proposal

Charlie Manuel has used the pretty much the same lineup for most of this big run (2008-present).  Sure here and there injuries happen and guys have off days, but the lineup is generally the same.  I think maybe it's time for a change.

1.  Shane Victorino CF 8
Victorino has done very well out of the 1 hole in Jimmy Rollins's absence this season.  He is hitting a near .320 out of the leadoff spot, when hitting 7th he's around .220.  Victorino is very aggressive on the base paths.  He tries to get on in anyway shape or form.

2.  Chase Utley 2B 26

Utley has maintained a high average his entire career.  He has one of the sweetest, shortest strokes in the league.  Batting Utley second would maximize his at bats per game.  A lot of the time teams put fast runners in the 2 hole.  Utley might not be the speed runner most teams might have but he is a smart base runner.  Utley had a streak of 29 consecutive stolen bases without getting  thrown out going into April.

3.  Placido Polanco 3B 27
The odds are Utley and Victorino will get on time and time again.  Both of them have maintained high averages throughout there careers.  What's better then having the best contact hitter on the team up with two men on.  Polanco always puts the ball in play, whether it's a sharp grounder or a sky high pop up.  Polanco can give the Phillies a clutch sac fly if Utley or Victorino get on, or just get a hit.  Polanco has a lifetime .303 avg.

4.  Ryan Howard 1B 6

This is a obvious decision.  Howard is one of the best home run swingers in the league.  He has had success out of the cleanup position, therefore I don't think there is another place in the lineup he could improve his play or the teams overall performance. 

5.  Jayson Werth RF 28 

Batting Werth 5th, like what Charlie Manuel has done, gives the pitcher a tough lefty righty thing to have to deal with.  In fact, after the switch hitter Victorino, every other batter is a righty.  Werth has loads of power and hits for a suitable average.  Werth has had a great season so far.  He leads the league in doubles.

6.  Jimmy Rollins SS 11

Once Rollins returns from the DL I think he should try out the 6 hole.  Having Rollins 6th would give the team a speed threat at the bottom of the lineup, something they did not have in the last few seasons.  Also, less pressure would be thrown on Rollins with him not being relied on at the top of the lineup.  Therefore Rollins could then focus on getting to 100%.  As well, the lefty righty thing would continue with the switch hitter here.

7.  Raul Ibanez LF 29 

Not much to say about this pick.  Ibanez has not returned to form after that hamstring injury last season.  Ibanez has been very streaky and has proved that he can't be relied on as a big power threat.  Those duties have fallen to Jayson Werth.  

8.  Carlos Ruiz C 51

Ruiz is the least skilled hitter in the lineup.  However, with a lot of big bats in this lineup I think it's better that the Phillies have a great defensive catcher that's not a good hitter, then a poor defensive catcher that's a slugger.