Loading ...
Where Will Chipper Bat?
Written by Colin on February 4, 2009 – 9:29 amIt’s no secret that Chipper Jones likes to hit third in the batting order. But in 2009, if the Braves don’t sign a power bat for the outfield, where will he hit?
Chipper likes hitting third. He’s actually a bit better batting third in his career than he is batting fourth. Keep in mind he’s had something on the order of 6600 plate appearances in the three hole, and 2000 plate appearances in the four hole. When batting third, Chipper bats .316, OBP .411, SLG % .557. When he’s batted fourth, Chipper puts up a .297 average, .400 OBP, and .528 SLG %. Nothing THAT drastically different – Chipper has had more good years while batting third exclusively – but he’s more comfortable batting third and it shows, even if just a little bit. About the only area where his stats are that noticably unproportional is the IBB column – Chipper gets far more intentional walks batting fourth.
Chipper 3rd, McCann 4th
McCann has been exceptional in his first three full years with the Braves. He’s just not a true cleanup hitter – he hits 20+ish home runs, not 40. He fits in so well in the middle of the order – fifth or sixth – and I just don’t think we’re going to see him sprout 10-15 more home runs just by placing him right behind Chipper. Sure, McCann could do it – I think he’s the most qualified to do it other than Chipper – but I don’t think it’s the best fit.
Chipper 3rd, Francoeur 4th, McCann 5th
This puts a lot of weigh on Francoeur’s shoulders. He could theoretically step into it – I think he’s going to have a better year this year than last year for sure and I hope to see some power out of him as he develops. That said, I don’t think that this year is the year to put extra pressure on him by throwing him in the cleanup spot. He’s going to come around with time – we just need to be patient and wait for it.
Chipper 4th, McCann 5th
You could argue for 30+ comments about who to bat third (and please do! Register an account and use the thumbs up buttons to vote the comments you like to the top), but Chipper is the old pro, the most stable player on the team, and hits for the most power. He’s also a lot older and wiser than he was the last time he had to hit fourth primarily. He hits the most home runs. He’s developed more as a player. I think that this makes the most sense and is something I’d be most comfortable with. Chipper also is generally a selfless player – he puts it all on the line for the team – and if this is the need, I’m sure he’s more than willing to step into the role.
All I’m saying is that IF the Braves don’t acquire a power bat for the outfield, Chipper makes the most sense in the four hole, despite him having a preference for batting third. Either way, it’s going to be fun to watch.
Tags: Chipper Batting Cleanup, Chipper batting third, Chipper Jones, Where will Chipper Bat
Posted in Speculation | 21 Comments »
By Jonathan on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Until I see proof that Frenchy is back to old form, I'd like to see Chipper 3rd and McCann 4th. If he really is hitting the ball like they say he is, put Francoeur at cleanup and see what happens. The biggest thing however is that, if it's not working, make changes.
By dogsbrekky on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Anderson 1
Escobar 2
KJ 3
Chipper 4
McCann 5
Frency 6
Kotchy 7
Diaz / B Jones 8
Pitcher
If we have Abreu – bat him 3 Chipper 4
By scott on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
If we dont get abreu, nady, dunn, etc. and were facing a lefty pitcher, why not hit diaz 3rd?
By dave on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Your best hitter should have as many at bats as possible defiantly Chipper 3rd, McCann 4th if Jeff proves out, or we get the big bat the 4 and 5 spots are negotiable. The rest will work its self out. I say without a doubt Chipper 3rd. Best Wishes
By The Perez on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
chipper must remain in the 3rd spot it would make everyone else better. Yunel hitting second and chipper 3rd will allow yunel to see more fastball because pitchers will go after him to not face chipper with runners on. Also hitting him 4th will diminish his at bats the likelihood of a 1 2 3 inning will be higher hence no chipper in the bottom or top of t he ninth. Unless the braves add abreu i dont see why they should move chipper from the 3rd spot.
By Big_T on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
1. Josh Anderson CF
2. Casey Kotchman 1B
3. Yunel Escobar SS
4. Chipper Jones 3B
5. Brian McCann C
6. Jeff Francoeur RF
7. Kelly Johnson 2B
8. Matt Diaz LF
By Big_T on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
1. Josh Anderson CF
2. Yunel Escobar SS
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Jeff Francoeur RF
5. Brian McCann C
6. Casey Kotchman 1B
7. Kelly Johnson 2B
8. Matt Diaz LF
By Big_T on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
Exactly Bobby Cox needs to be on his toes and make changes if the lineup isn't working. Don't wait till June like he did in 2007 with Andruw before moving him out the cleanup spot.
If Francoeur is hitting the ball in the games like he is in batting practice playing him 4th would be perfect because we know pitchers are scared to face Chipper and McCann so Francoeur would get a ton of fastballs and he loves them fastballs.
I remember last year I was so wanting Bobby to bat Francoeur 2nd in front of Chipper, TEX and McCann that way he would get more fastballs to hit.
By Keith on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
If Francoeur winds up batting cleanup for most of the year then expect the braves to be out of it @ the break. Here's the 2008 line for Jeff:
AVG .239
HR 11
RBI 71
Doubles 33
Triples 3
3 1/2 year career numbers:
AVG .268
HR 73
RBI 324
Doubles 117
Triples
This guy would be the worst cleanup hitter in the major leagues, besides whomever the Nats decide on. Yes, this includes Seattle, Pittsburgh and San Diego.
By Keith on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
If braves do not sign a left fielder then job will go to McCann and Jones because the braves have no choice. I expect Bobby will rotate every so often until he finds the click. That being said, with the lack of choices and flexibility I would still expect the braves to sign someone to plug in that hole.
By dave on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
If healthy, what about Moises Alou he could be an option for one year. I have not read where he has signed with anyone. I think Chipper should bat 3rd no matter what.
By Larry on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
You have to get past 2008. In 2007 he hit around .300. Francouer is a young player who tried to prove to much. This year should be different. Even Chipper says he should be the four hitter. If you only dwell on 08 you will never understand the potential a batter will have. Thats like saying after the 2007 season that McCann wouldn't be a good hitter when he hit around .270. In 2008 he hit .300. I think Francouer will turn it around but Braves fans have to give him a chance.
By Larry on Feb 4, 2009 | Reply
I would love the Braves to sign Abreu giving us someone to bat 4th and protect chipper. No one we have strikes fear into the eyes of opposing pitchers. Even a Frenchy turn around is not going to stimulate the offense enough. We need another run producer.
By Keith on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
I did not say anything about giving up on Francouer because of 08. NOT one line states that. I believe that he will turn things around and have a better year but, he has NEVER proven to be a power hitter capable of being a cleanup hitter. The year that you are referring to he hit .293 which is pretty good however, only 19 homers. Provided he is able to duplicate 2007, it's still not the power numbers we need from the 4 hole. In 3 1/2 season's he has hit 73 homeruns and has 324 RBI's. Again, no quality pitcher will scared and if he hits behind Chipper he will get plenty of chances as Chipper will walk more than usual.
By Keith on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
2008 -5 homers and 15 doubles.
2007- 7 homers and 12 doubles.
These are Jeff's numbers @ Turner Field for the last two season's.
It doesn't matter what I think or any other blogger thinks. Look at Bobby's choices throughout the years and what he currently has to choose from. If the roster remains the same then Jeff will get some AB's @ the 4 hole because McCann will have some off days and Chipper will not play 162 games. In that situation, he would just about be the only choice. Therefore, I will set the over/under on the number of days Jeff hits in the 4 hole @ 30. Place your bets. The number goes down dramatically if we sign someone.
By dave on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
As much as we all would like to see someone capable brought in. If what I have heard is right about the money the braves have to spend. We will have to trade someone to get a player of Abreu capabilities,.I do not even want to go there, but we will have to face the financial facts. We would have to trade Diaz, Johnson, or Frenchy or some combination of players. Perish the thought. I want to mention again I want to see Will Ohman back with the Braves. I will mention again Moises Alou he might work platooning with Diaz. We might afford him without disrupting the core of the team. Best Wishes
By Larry on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
The Alou platoon isnt smart. There is no point platooning two right handed hitters. I like Ohman but the offer has been out there since November. At some point we have to move on. We need someone. I like Dye. I think giving up Prado, Blanco and a low level pitching prospect would benefit both sides.
By Mark on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
battting frenchy 4th would be a total disaster….i watched way to many games this past season where we had runners in scoring position and frenchy strikes out on 3 to 4 pitches….im tired of seeing this guy swing at every pitch.
By Mark on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
1 game in particular, it was against the cardinals….they walked the bases loaded and then frenchy struck out on 3 pitches…i almost broke my television with the remote…i just dont wanna see this happen all year with him batting 4th……..those 4 hole rbi's are important.
By Larry on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
That was '08. If he can return to form I think he can be successful. I dont know that hes our long term 4 batter but in '07 he was one of the top 2 out RBI guys in the game.
By Tim on Feb 5, 2009 | Reply
You're crazy if you don't think pitchers are scared of McCann. I remember last year listening to a interview and McCann was mentioned before Chipper when talking about which guys opposing pitchers need to avoid pitching too.