MLB Opening Day 2012: One Way for All 30 Teams to Shake Up the Day 1 Lineup

Rick WeinerJun 7, 2018

Athletes are creatures of habit—change is not something that they care for.

But in baseball, as in life, change is inevitable.

Sometimes a manager needs to shake things up, and either switching his lineup around or making changes to the personnel involved are the two big moves that he can make.

Not all change works out for the best, and sometimes managers end up reverting back to what they had originally.

In other cases, it's a rousing success and the manager looks like a genius.

Based on the projected 2012 lineups published by CBSSports.com, let's see if we can't make some changes for every team heading into the season.

Some changes are bigger than others, and I am not saying that I would be for or against any of these—this is simply an exercise in seeing what changes a manager could potentially make to shake things up.

So, without further ado...

Arizona Diamondbacks

1 of 30

Diamondbacks' Projected Lineup

Willie Bloomquist, SS

Aaron Hill, 2B

Justin Upton, RF

Miguel Montero, C

Chris Young, CF

Jason Kubel, LF

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B

Ryan Roberts, 3B

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Jason Kubel to the two-hole, Aaron Hill to the eighth spot, Ryan Roberts and Paul Goldschmidt each move up a spot.

Why?

Kubel is more adept at getting on base than Hill is, and the more men on base for Justin Upton and Miguel Montero, the better.

Kubel's career numbers from the two-hole are excellent, albeit we only have a relatively small sample size to look at: .344/.400/.567 with four home runs and 14 RBI in 90 at-bats.

Hill is at his best hitting lower in the order, especially from the eighth spot (.301/.371/.427), and he has enough speed to advance when the pitcher hitting behind him lays down a bunt.

This move gives the Diamondbacks a two-through-seven in their lineup that is capable of going yard at a moment's notice.

Atlanta Braves

2 of 30

Braves' Projected Lineup

Michael Bourn, CF

Martin Prado, 3B

Brian McCann, C

Dan Uggla, 2B

Freddie Freeman, 1B

Jason Heyward, RF

Eric Hinske, LF

Tyler Pastornicky, SS

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Move Pastornicky to the two-hole, slide everyone else down a spot.

Why?

This is Pastornicky's first season in the majors, so of course it's difficult to project exactly how he'll do.

But based on his minor-league numbers, the 22-year-old is an on-base machine (.345 career OBP) who walks nearly as much as he strikes out—150 walks to 190 strikeouts.

Having a one-two punch at the top of the lineup with Bourn and Pastornicky would lead to the heart of the Braves lineup—including Chipper Jones when he returns from injury—coming to the plate with two speedy runners on base.

Baltimore Orioles

3 of 30

Orioles' Projected Lineup

Endy Chavez, LF

J.J. Hardy, SS

Nick Markakis, RF

Adam Jones, CF

Matt Wieters, C

Mark Reynolds, 3B

Wilson Betemit, DH

Chris Davis, 1B

Robert Andino, 2B

The Shakeup

Move Markakis to the two-hole, slide Hardy into the three-spot.

Why?

While it puts two left-handed batters at the top of the batting order, Nick Markakis knows how to get on base. J.J. Hardy, second on the team with 30 home runs and 57 extra-base hits in 2011, immediately becomes a bigger RBI threat, something that could lead to the Orioles getting ahead in games early.

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Boston Red Sox

4 of 30

Red Sox's Projected Lineup

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF

Dustin Pedroia, 2B

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B

Kevin Youkilis, 3B

David Ortiz, DH

Cody Ross, LF

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

Ryan Sweeney, RF

Mike Aviles, SS

The Shakeup

Sweeney to the leadoff spot, Ellsbury to third in the order, everyone else down a spot.

Why?

To take advantage of Ellsbury's new-found power.

Sweeney isn't your prototypical leadoff hitter (lacks any discernible speed), but he has a career OBP of .342 and doesn't strike out much.

Sliding Ellsbury to the third spot in the lineup affords him more RBI opportunities, and scoring more runs is always a good thing.

Chicago Cubs

5 of 30

Cubs' Projected Lineup

David DeJesus, RF

Starlin Castro, SS

Marlon Byrd, CF

Bryan LaHair, 1B

Alfonso Soriano, LF

Geovany Soto, C

Ian Stewart, 3B

Darwin Barney, 2B

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Swap Castro and Byrd.

Why?

Starlin Castro is the best player on the team, and while he has a knack for getting on base (career OBP of .343), so does Byrd (career OBP of .333).

Having Castro potentially come to the plate with two speedy runners already on base can only lead to good things for the Cubs.

Chicago White Sox

6 of 30

White Sox's Projected Lineup

Alejandro De Aza, LF

Alexei Ramirez, SS

Paul Konerko, 1B

Adam Dunn, DH

Brent Morel, 3B

A.J. Pierzynski, C

Dayan Viciedo, RF

Alex Rios, CF

Gordon Beckham, 2B

The Shakeup

Swap Rios and Beckham.

Why?

Gordon Beckham has been far more productive hitting in the eighth spot (.292/.344/.420) than ninth (.250/.321/.381), while Rios is essentially the same player whether hitting eighth (.261/.306/.667) or ninth (.239/.286/.380).

Beckham is only 25 years old and still has upside, while Rios, at 31, is what he is—a mediocre player with an albatross of a contract. Moving Beckham to a spot he has had success in before, could prove to be a small but shrewd move on the part of Robin Ventura.

Cincinnati Reds

7 of 30

Reds' Projected Lineup

Brandon Phillips, 2B

Zack Cozart, SS

Joey Votto, 1B

Jay Bruce, RF

Scott Rolen, 3B

Chris Heisey, LF

Drew Stubbs, CF

Ryan Hanigan/Devin Mesoraco, C

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Scott Rolen to the two-hole, dropping Cozart to eighth and bumping Heisey, Stubbs and the catching tandem up one spot each.

Why

With Joey Votto hitting third, it makes sense to have as many runners on base as possible when he steps to the plate. As we have seen this spring, Rolen still knows how to get on base, drawing six walks and posting a .400 on-base percentage.

Cozart's speed works well in the eighth spot, giving the Reds pitchers a better chance for a successful sacrifice bunt—at least more than Hanigan or Mesoraco.

Cleveland Indians

8 of 30

Indians' Projected Lineup

Michael Brantley, CF

Asdrubal Cabrera, SS

Shin-Soo Choo, RF

Carlos Santana, C

Travis Hafner, DH

Casey Kotchman, 1B

Jason Kipnis, 2B

Shelley Duncan, LF

Jack Hannahan, 3B

The Shakeup

Drop Jason Kipnis to ninth, pushing Shelley Duncan to seventh and Jack Hannahan to eighth.

Why?

Putting Kipnis at the end of the batting order gives the top of the order the chance to come to the plate with some speed on base rather than the plodding Duncan and Hannahan—which could result in increased run production.

Colorado Rockies

9 of 30

Rockies' Projected Lineup

Dexter Fowler, CF

Marco Scutaro, 2B

Carlos Gonzalez, LF

Troy Tulowitzki, SS

Todd Helton, 1B

Michael Cuddyer, RF

Ramon Hernandez, C

Chris Nelson/Jordan Pacheco, 3B

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Drop Marco Scutaro to the eighth spot, pushing everyone from Carlos Gonzalez through the two-headed monster at third base up a spot.

Why?

It would be interesting to see how this worked out—Fowler could thrive with the heart of the lineup hitting behind him. As for Scutaro, he actually has better numbers hitting eighth (.257/345/.368) than second (.245/.304/.327) over the course of his career.

Detroit Tigers

10 of 30

Tigers' Projected Lineup

Austin Jackson, CF

Brennan Boesch, RF

Miguel Cabrera, 3B

Prince Fielder, 1B

Delmon Young, DH

Alex Avila, C

Jhonny Peralta, SS

Andy Dirks, LF

Ryan Raburn, 2B

The Shakeup

Andy Dirks to leadoff and Austin Jackson dropped to ninth, pushing Ryan Raburn up to eighth.

Why?

Jackson has more speed, but Dirks is no slouch in that department either.

But with the lineup the Tigers have, you need someone who can get on base consistently at the top. Last season, Jackson's hitting line from the top spot was rather pedestrian: a 246 average, .314 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .373.

Dirks was rather underwhelming in the more than 200 at-bats that he took for the Tigers last year as well, but he was an on-base machine coming up through the minors, posting a .351 on-base percentage over his minor-league career and a .471 on-base percentage this spring, drawing seven walks while striking out nine times.

Comparatively, Jackson has drawn eight walks but struck out 16 times, and his .269 average pales in comparison to the .405 that Dirks has posted.

Houston Astros

11 of 30

Astros' Projected Lineup

Jordan Schafer, CF

Jose Altuve, 2B

J.D. Martinez, LF

Carlos Lee, 1B

Brian Bogusevic, RF

Jed Lowrie, SS

Chris Johnson, 3B

Chris Snyder, C

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Chris Johnson to fifth, pushing Brian Bogusevic and Jed Lowrie down a spot.

Why?

Johnson is more of a run producer than Bogusevic and can do far more damage in that department hitting fifth rather than seventh.

Kansas City Royals

12 of 30

Royals' Projected Lineup

Alex Gordon, LF

Chris Getz/Yuniesky Betancourt, 2B

Eric Hosmer, 1B

Billy Butler, DH

Mike Moustakas, 3B

Jeff Francoeur, RF

Humberto Quintero, C

Lorenzo Cain, CF

Alcides Escobar, SS

The Shakeup

Lorenzo Cain to the two-hole, the second base platoon to the eighth spot.

Why?

Neither Betancourt nor Getz is anything special, while Cain is the newest youngster added to the puzzle that is rebuilding the Royals.

Cain has power and speed, and is tearing the cover off of the ball this spring. Hitting behind Alex Gordon and in front of Eric Hosmer, Cain could do some serious damage.

Los Angeles Angels

13 of 30

Angels; Projected Lineup

Erick Aybar, SS

Kendrys Morales, DH

Albert Pujols, 1B

Torii Hunter, RF

Howie Kendrick, 2B

Alberto Callaspo, 3B

Vernon Wells, LF

Chris Iannetta, C

Peter Bourjos, CF

The Shakeup

Vernon Wells to the bench, Mike Trout added to the roster to take his spot in the lineup.

Why?

With Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reporting that Bobby Abreu is on the verge of being dealt to the Cleveland Indians—potentially in exchange for minor-league outfielder Trevor Crowe, says Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports—adding Trout to the lineup makes sense.

Mark Trumbo has played third base during spring training, and he very well could replace Alberto Callaspo on the hot corner at some point this season, eliminating two potential outfielders from Trout's path.

Los Angeles Dodgers

14 of 30

Dodgers' Projected Lineup

Dee Gordon, SS

Mark Ellis, 2B

Matt Kemp, CF

Andre Ethier, RF

James Loney, 1B

Juan Rivera, LF

Juan Uribe, 3B

A.J. Ellis, C

Pitcher

The Shakeup

James Loney moves to the two-hole, Mark Ellis drops to eighth. Juan Rivera, Juan Uribe and A.J. Ellis each move up one spot.

Why?

Both Loney and Ellis know how to get on base, but Ellis would add some speed to the bottom of the lineup while Loney provides Dee Gordon more protection than Ellis does.

Miami Marlins

15 of 30

Marlins' Projected Lineup

Jose Reyes, SS

Emilio Bonifacio, CF

Hanley Ramirez, 3B

Giancarlo Stanton, RF

Logan Morrison, LF

Gaby Sanchez, 1B

John Buck, C

Omar Infante, 2B

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Emilio Bonifacio leads off, Jose Reyes hits second.

Why?

Reyes is the better hitter, so why not take advantage of that fact by putting his bat behind a speedy Emilio Bonifacio? As Reyes is hitting darts into the gaps, Bonifacio can be flying around the bases, potentially giving the Marlins an early lead in games and setting up the heart of the order nicely.

Milwaukee Brewers

16 of 30

Brewers' Projected Lineup

Rickie Weeks, 2B

Nyjer Morgan, CF

Ryan Braun, LF

Aramis Ramirez, 3B

Carlos Gomez, RF

Mat Gamel, 1B

Alex Gonzalez, SS

Jonathan Lucroy, C

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Jonathan Lucroy to the fifth spot, Carlos Gomez down to eighth.

Why?

Carlos Gomez's game is all speed and no power, a strange choice for the fifth spot in the lineup. Jonathan Lucroy's power fits in nicely behind Aramis Ramirez, while Gomez and his speed works at the bottom of the lineup.

Minnesota Twins

17 of 30

Twins' Projected Lineup

Denard Span, CF

Chris Parmelee, 1B

Joe Mauer, C

Justin Morneau, DH

Josh Willingham, LF

Luke Hughes, 2B

Danny Valencia, 3B

Alexi Casilla, SS

Ben Revere, RF

The Shakeup

Ben Revere to the two-hole, Chris Parmelee to the seventh. Danny Valencia and Alexi Casilla each move down a spot.

Why?

Revere and Span at the top of the Twins lineup can create havoc on the bases and give the heart of the Twins lineup a chance to drive in runs every time one of them is on base.

New York Mets

18 of 30

Mets' Projected Lineup

Andres Torres, CF

Daniel Murphy, 2B

David Wright, 3B

Ike Davis, 1B

Jason Bay, LF

Lucas Duda, RF

Josh Thole, C

Ruben Tejada, SS

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Lucas Duda up to fifth, Jason Bay down to sixth.

Why?

Jason Bay has been atrocious once again this spring, while Duda has been on fire. A heart of the lineup that consists of Wright, Davis and Duda could put up some big numbers with the new dimensions at Citi Field.

New York Yankees

19 of 30

Yankees' Projected Lineup

Derek Jeter, SS

Curtis Granderson, CF

Robinson Cano, 2B

Alex Rodriguez, 3B

Mark Teixiera, 1B

Nick Swisher, RF

Russell Martin, C

Raul Ibanez, DH

Brett Gardner, LF

The Shakeup

Brett Gardner moves to the leadoff spot, Derek Jeter slides down to second, Curtis Granderson moves to fourth and A-Rod and the rest of the lineup moves down one spot.

Why?

Gardner's speed at the top of the lineup, coupled with Granderson providing more protection for Cano than A-Rod does at this point in their careers, could make a potent offense even more productive.

Oakland Athletics

20 of 30

Athletics' Projected Lineup

Jemile Weeks, 2B

Cliff Pennington, SS

Coco Crisp, LF

Jonny Gomes/Seth Smith, DH

Kurt Suzuki, C

Yoenis Cespedes, CF

Josh Reddick, RF

Brandon Allen, 1B

Eric Sogard/Josh Donaldson, 3B

The Shakeup

Yoenis Cespedes to third, Coco Crisp to second, Cliff Pennington to ninth. Josh Reddick, Brandon Allen and the platoon at third base all move up one spot.

Why?

Cespedes is the most dangerous and dynamic hitter on the roster, and it is only a matter of time before he's slotted in the heart of the lineup. Putting him behind Weeks and Crisp gives him ample opportunity to drive in runs, which is something the A's desperately lacked in seasons past.

Philadelphia Phillies

21 of 30

Phillies' Projected Lineup

Jimmy Rollins, SS

Placido Polanco, 3B

Shane Victorino, CF

Hunter Pence, RF

Ty Wigginton, 1B

Laynce Nix, LF

Carlos Ruiz, C

Freddy Galvis, 2B

Pitcher

The Shakeup

When Ryan Howard returns, bat him fifth, keeping Pence in the cleanup spot.

Why?

Howard's presence behind Pence will force teams to pitch to Pence, which should lead to improved numbers for Pence and an increase in RBI opportunities for Howard—both good things for the Phillies.

Pittsburgh Pirates

22 of 30

Pirates' Projected Lineup

Jose Tabata, RF

Alex Presley, LF

Andrew McCutchen, CF

Neil Walker, 2B

Garrett Jones, 1B

Pedro Alvarez, 3B

Clint Barmes, SS

Rod Barajas, C

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Bench Alvarez, start Casey McGehee at third base and bat him sixth.

Why?

Pedro Alvarez looks overmatched against Triple-A pitching, while Casey McGehee, prior to last year, had hit .288 over parts of three seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.

At this point, Alvarez is almost an automatic out. McGehee is not.

San Diego Padres

23 of 30

Padres' Projected Lineup

Will Venable, RF

Chase Headley, 3B

Cameron Maybin, CF

Yonder Alonso, 1B

Jesus Guzman, LF

Nick Hundley, C

Orlando Hudson, 2B

Jason Bartlett, SS

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Swap Nick Hundley and Jesus Guzman.

Why?

Nick Hundley had a solid 2011 and has been hitting very well this spring, while Jesus Guzman is a non-descript outfielder who hasn't played all that well heading into the regular season.

Hundley gives Yonder Alonso a bit more protection in the lineup, and how the top half of the Padres lineup fares will determine how the team fares.

San Francisco Giants

24 of 30

Giants' Projected Lineup

Angel Pagan, CF

Melky Cabrera, LF

Pablo Sandoval, 3B

Buster Posey, C

Aubrey Huff, 1B

Nate Schierholtz/Gregor Blanco, RF

Ryan Theriot, 2B

Brandon Crawford, SS

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Move Blanco to leadoff, Pagan to the two-hole and Melky Cabrera to the sixth spot in the lineup.

Why?

Blanco has stolen 11 bases in 12 attempts this spring and hit the ball very well, while Pagan has been average at best. Melky Cabrera doesn't belong hitting second and can do more damage following the heart of the order.

Seattle Mariners

25 of 30

Mariners' Projected Lineup

Chone Figgins, 3B

Dustin Ackley, 2B

Ichiro Suzuki, RF

Justin Smoak, 1B

Jesus Montero, DH

Mike Carp, LF

Miguel Olivo, C

Michael Saunders, CF

Brendan Ryan, SS

The Shakeup

Move Ichiro back to the leadoff spot, sliding Figgins and Ackley down one spot each.

Why?

Giving Ackley to the plate with runners on base is going to be a key to the Mariners' success this season. Ichiro can hit anywhere in the lineup, as you'd expect from someone with his resume.

St. Louis Cardinals

26 of 30

Cardinals' Projected Lineup

Rafael Furcal, SS

John Jay, CF

Matt Holliday, LF

Lance Berkman, 1B

Carlos Beltran, RF

David Freese, 3B

Yadier Molina, C

Tyler Greene, 2B

Pitcher

The Shakeup

Start Daniel Descalso over Tyler Greene and bat him leadoff, move Furcal to the eighth spot.

Why?

Descalso has been an on-base machine this spring, drawing 12 walks to only five strikeouts and posting a .438 on-base percentage. Furcal has been mediocre with a .224 on-base percentage, and past injuries seem to be catching up with him a bit.

Tampa Bay Rays

27 of 30

Rays' Projected Lineup

Desmond Jennings, LF

B.J. Upton, CF

Evan Longoria, 3B

Carlos Pena, 1B

Ben Zobrist, 2B

Matt Joyce, RF

Luke Scott, DH

Sean Rodriguez, SS

Jose Molina, C

The Shakeup

Jeff Keppinger hits second and plays second base. Ben Zobrist moves to left field, Desmond Jennings shifts to center field.

Why?

With B.J. Upton starting the season on the 15-day disabled list, and Sam Fuld likely needing wrist surgery, the Rays outfield just got weaker.

Zobrist has experience playing the outfield, and Keppinger is a solid replacement for him at second. While Keppinger cannot replace the production that Upton provides, he'll hold his own and do a solid job.

Texas Rangers

28 of 30

Rangers' Projected Lineup

Ian Kinsler, 2B

Elvis Andrus, SS

Josh Hamilton, LF

Adrian Beltre, 3B

Michael Young, DH

Nelson Cruz, RF

Mike Napoli, C

Julio Borbon, CF

Mitch Moreland, 1B

The Shakeup

Slide Julio Borbon to the ninth spot, move Mitch Moreland to eighth.

Why?

Borbon's speed gives the Rangers two leadoff hitters, one at each end of the lineup.

Toronto Blue Jays

29 of 30

Blue Jays' Projected Lineup

Yunel Escobar, SS

Kelly Johnson, 2B

Jose Bautista, RF

Adam Lind, 1B

Edwin Encarnacion, DH

Colby Rasmus, CF

Brett Lawrie, 3B

Eric Thames, LF

J.P. Arencibia, C

The Shakeup

Move Brett Lawrie to fifth, slide Edwin Encarnacion and Colby Rasmus down one spot.

Why?

Brett Lawrie has big-time potential and has continued his hot hitting from the end of last season this spring—his bat simply needs to be in the heart of the Blue Jays lineup where it can do the most damage.