Why do they have Baldelli lead off?

[Three34]

I have two problems with this.

First, he doesn't walk. He has 2 on the year, and 10 all year last year. Now if a lead off guy is to get on base, why not have someone that can get on base?

Second, Joe Maddon's explanation is piss weak:

"If you watched Rocco close, he had a real good BP, and he's been working real hard. In BP, the ball was just jumping off his bat, and in the game, he hit the ball hard. Even the ball he popped up, he just missed it.

So if his slow start so far is just bad luck, why is moving him in the lineup going to change that? And why does the speediest guy on the team insist on hitting third?

[craig01]

It doesn't make sense to me either.

But honestly, a lot of what Madden does doesn't make sense too.

[TheCage4]

IMO Baldelli probably needs to be traded.

[craig01]

IMO Baldelli probably needs to be traded.

I'd hate to see him go, but let's face it, there is a log jam in the OF.

Baldelli still may have decent value if he stays healthy and productive early on. I fear for his health though.

Baldelli = Pitching help?

[Ocho Cinco]

Not a D-Rays fan but who do you guys feel is the better leadoff for TB? Upton or Crawford? I gotta assume Crawford.

[craig01]

Crawford.

I don't think Upton is ready for a lead off spot.

Crawford on base reminds me of Ricky Henderson in his younger days.

Usually a dominating player on base.

[TheCage4]

Eventually I would like to see Upton batting early in the order, but like craig01 said I don't think he's a leadoff hitter. Crawford should be 1st in our order.