Another unusual lineup today. Not so much the personnel, but the batting order. I know it's spring training, and these games don't count, but maybe it's time to ask manager Willie Randolph what he's thinking.
Reyes ...... .......SS
Wright ............. 3B
Beltran ............. CF
Delgado ........... 1B
Alou ................. LF
Green .............. RF
Sierra .............. DH
Castro .............. C
A. Hernandez .. 2B
A couple more pregame notes:
-- Cards manager Tony La Russa called the Mets the "team to beat" in the NL East. Take that, Jimmy Rollins.
-- Rick Ankiel is starting in rightfield for the defending world champions.
-- Tom Glavine will be followed today by Jorge Sosa, Pedro Feliciano, Ambiorix Burgos and Steve Schmoll.
Comments (2)
Spring training or not, why keep a legitimate prospect on the bench in order for 80-year-old Ruben Sierra to DH. He has no chance of making the roster, so fut the wuck is up with that move?
Regarding Ruben Sierra, several points to consider:
-- He's a good guy at giving younger players counsel.
-- If he shows he can still produce, other teams may be interested in his services. Omar Minaya giving Sierra a chance at this point of spring training isn't at all a gamble.
-- He is not "(keeping) a legitimate prospect on the bench:" the Mets already know that Endy Chavez, Damion Easley, Julio Franco and David Newhan can pinch-hit, and Sierra should not last beyond the first roster cut or two, anyway. He won't be headed to the minors and taking someone else's roster spot, that's for sure.