Jordan Schafer: Making a Case for Leadoff Role in Atlanta

Okay, we all saw what happened on Sunday night; Jordan Schafer hit a solo shot in his first major league at-bat.

He went on to finish the night 2-for-3 with that homer, an intentional walk, and a single.

What's not getting much press is that he has displayed an eye worthy of the leadoff spot, coaxing three walks while putting up a .462 OBP.

Add to this his well above-average speed and you have your prototypical leadoff guy.

But guess what?

He's hitting eighth.

Now, I understand that you may want a speed guy that can be moved up easily by your pitcher, but I don't get why you waste this kind of athletic ability in front of a pitcher.

Schafer needs to be batting first. Period.

If you plug him in here, even with Bobby Cox's—let's say—"no run" offense, you have someone that can get on base with more speed and (at least so far) consistency than Kelly Johnson, who has proven to be a very streaky hitter.

I think the Jordan Schafer situation is pretty clear.

In fact, the only problem that arises with this scenario is the fact that Jordan's power potential is not fully utilized, which is why I provide this solution: Bat Kelly Johnson ninth.

Obviously, Bobby Cox feels that KJ is a "good enough" leadoff guy, so why not make him a second one.

Check out this lineup:

1. L Jordan Schafer

2. R Yunel Escobar

3. S Chipper Jones

4. L Brian McCann

5. L/R Garret Anderson/Matt Diaz

6. R Jeff Francoeur

7. L Casey Kotchman

8. ? Pitcher

9. L Kelly Johnson

Tony La Russa has used this setup effectively in St. Louis in the past, and with the type of specialty hitters the Braves have, this could be perfect.

You still have Chipper hitting in the first before becoming a clean-up guy the second time through the lineup.

You also have Yunel, as he was in a conventional lineup Wednesday night, batting third the second time through.

Finally, and most importantly, Schafer would receive a greater chance of having someone who can actually move in front of him to drive in.

Even with Kelly's previously mentioned streakiness, hitting No. 9 would not require him to feel the pressure of getting on every time. If he doesn't get on, no harm, no foul. Schafer would be facing the same situation that would have beset him in a conventional lineup.

But, if Kelly does reach base (either with a single, walk, or extra-base hit), then Schafer has someone to drive in with either his conventional or gap power.

Call me crazy, but I think a lineup like this could work in Atlanta.