Here’s what you’re missing with Maddon’s lineups, he goes to more of a steady 8 late in the season gearing up for the playoffs. Before that he mixes things up so everyone gets AB and defensive time. He’s always going to do that. What you’re seeing from Almora and Baez is Joe letting them learn those spots and they’re acing their tests. Once they look like they have it nailed he’ll put other guys there so that they have options. I’ve followed Maddon for a decade, I just like how he manages. You’re unlikely to see a solidified starting 8 until August
I get that what he did with Zobrist and the Rays, and it was easier to do there in AL with DH and extra position players
Im looking at what he has this year..
Outside of injuries
Caratini not going to get anymore starts then giving Contreras a day off and maybe Rizzo..
LaStella not going to get starts ahead of Baez or Bryant other then occasional rest days..
Zobrist gonna be 37 next month, he not the Zobrist of the Rays where he can plug him into a different position everyday.. he much better now playing a game or two and then sitting a few days.
Plus who is he gonna sit so Zobrist can start multiple games in a row?
Schwarber? Heyward? Baez? Russell? Rizzo?
No.. those guys are going to play everyday except for rest and occasional matchups
Happ is the only guy on bench that he might consider starting in multiple games in a row and that only if he decides to go back to sitting Almora again, which would be a mistake unless Almora goes into the tank..
This is why i think we finally just might see Maddon stick with these 8 most everyday now except for the occasional rest and matchups..
Like i said, outside of sitting Almora again, who would he sit for more then 1 game in a row
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