Phoenix Finally Drops Two, Makes Lineup Changes
June 3, 2001
Phoenix (AP) - Phoenix GM has little to complain about, despite the
fact that his team just dropped two games in high-scoring affairs with
the Punxatawney Groundhogs. The team has just come off an eleven-game
winning streak, has the best record in baseball, is as healthy as it
has been in years. In addition, some of its hitters are finally
producing as expected.
"We've of course been getting good production from the top of our
order from Steve (Finley), Pudge, and Mondy, and we knew Derek could
hit for average and had the potential to be a great power hitter,
we're surprised to see it so soon. In additing, we're been very happy
to see Brian (Hunter) finally hitting like we always knew he
could. Between that and Derek's power, we're debating changing around
our lineup." This is of course a joyous dilema for Bridges. Jeter is
currently leading the league in home runs (15), batting average(.402),
on-base percentage (.473), and slugging percentage (.682), while
Hunter is hitting .344 and leading the lead in steals (17).
"We're getting the power we want from Pudge, Mondy, and David, but
Derek has shown so much power and Brian is hitting so well that we may
have to change our lineup despite the success we've had so far. Oh,
what the hell. Why not? Tomorrow, a new Phoenix lineup."
While the pitching remains unchanged, the hot-hitting Brian Hunter
moves to the top of the lineup, Derek Jeter moves to the #3 spot,
Finley moves up in he lineup against left-handed hitters, and Palmeiro
becomes the full-time first baseman, with Sorrento getting the
every-day DH job.
