Needs More Ditka

As the Tribune’s Mark Gonzales reports, the Ozzie Guillen has set up his template for the 2009 season’s batting order, and the top of the lineup should pose an interesting story line as the season continues.

That’s because AAAA extrodinares Brian Anderson and Dewayne Wise will be leading off, every day. Gonzales states in his report that this will maximize the White Sox offensive potential. To retort, the only way those two players could maximize the Whtie Sox offensive potential would be if they sat on the bench and let any other player lead off.

But I digress.

This is not to say I don’t like Anderson or Wise in the lineup. I see no reason for them to platoon, as Anderson is by far a better defensive option, and has never been given a full opportunity to get a full season of at bats, something that I think his talent warrants. But to give Anderson, or Wise, the most at bats in a season is a bit absurd, and while the notion of leadoff hitter as a position is outdated, neither Anderson or Wise are anything more than bottom of the order hitters. Putting his worst hitter first is an interesting and puzzling ploy by Ozzie. It as if to say, we’ll play with 26 outs.

What Ozzie is doing though might be confusing, but has reason. For years, the American league has prescribed to the National league style of filling out a lineup card, replacing the pitcher for the worst hitter in the junior circuit. What Ozzie is doing is the opposite, he is filling out a linup card in inverse order. Similar to a hockey shootout guaranteed to go nine rounds, you backload your lineup, looking to finish stong and have the ability to score in the clutch, while keeping the meat of the order together. AnderWise and Getz will predictably be the worst two hitters in the lineup, why have them coming up after your number six and seven hitters, which in this lineup are Konerko and Pierzynski, just to leave them on base.

There is never a spot in the lineup that doesn’t require power. If Ozzie can pull it off, he will have redefined the modern American League lineup, sacrificing baserunners for the heart of the order, in lieu of production at the bottom of the order, where there will be baserunners bring home. Its a different approach and to see it in action will be a great story line to follow, starting tomorrow.