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Cincinnati
Reds...
Baker positive
about Drew Stubbs
HOUSTON- Despite Drew Stubbs’ struggles at the plate in 2012, Reds
manager Dusty Baker still considers the center fielder a potential
leadoff man if he can cut down on his strikeouts and continue to hit
balls hard.
“He’s still learning, more than anything, about how to be consistent,”
Baker said of Stubbs, who hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the ninth
inning of Tuesday night’s 4-2 win over the Astros. “His upside is still
great.”
Stubbs has batted first 14 times and batted second 52 times this
season. In the leadoff spot, Stubbs is batting .158/.226/.175 in 57
at-bats. In the two-hole, Stubbs is batting .250/.322/.447 in 208
at-bats.
During this series against the Astros, Baker decided to bat Stubbs
second in the order behind shortstop Zack Cozart in all three games.
Baker said that combination isn’t the optimal order, but with Joey
Votto out of the lineup, Stubbs’ running ability can be an asset in the
two-spot.
Baker worries that sending Stubbs from first base with Votto at the
plate will allow pitchers to pitch around the first baseman. The
manager considers Stubbs, who had 19 stolen bases heading into
Wednesday, a top-five baserunner in the league.
“That’s why it’d be better if Stubby could bat leadoff,” Baker said.
The Reds have been more aggressive on the basepaths since Votto left
the lineup. In 88 games with Votto, the Reds stole 43 bases and were
caught stealing 14 times. In nine games without him, they’ve stolen
nine bases and been caught stealing three times.
Entering Wednesday, the Reds had stolen at least one base in four
consecutive games, accumulating seven steals over that stretch. Until
Tuesday, the Reds hadn’t stolen at least one base in four consecutive
games this season.
Phillips out of starting lineup to stay fresh
HOUSTON- Second baseman Brandon Phillips didn’t start for Wednesday’s
series finale against the Astros. Phillips had started every game for
the Reds since June 28.
Manager Dusty Baker, who started Wilson Valdez at second base in the
No. 7 spot, said resting Phillips is part of an attempt to get all of
his regular players a day off before heading into a stretch of 17 games
in 17 days, which starts after Thursday’s off-day on Friday in Colorado.
“Like I’ve said before, just trying to keep all our guys strong and
keep all our guys fresh,” Baker said.
Scott Rolen, Zack Cozart and Drew Stubbs didn’t start on Sunday. Jay
Bruce didn’t start on Monday. Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey didn’t
start on Tuesday.
Baker will try to find another day off for his more regular players
during the upcoming 17-game stretch. After that, Baker plans to field
something close to his best lineup each day as the season winds down.
Phillips has been hot in the last 13 games, batting .434 with two
homers and 11 RBIs. His .298 batting average heading into Wednesday’s
game is the highest it’s been this season. He’s started in 89 of the
Reds’ first 98 games.
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