Maybe They Should Line Up by Height

I heard an amusing discussion this morning on WEEI, which referred to Lou Merloni's criticism of Bobby Valentine's lineup experimentation. Lou thinks Valentine should not have Jacoby Ellsbury or Dustin Pedroia bat at different points in the lineup during spring training, for the simple reason that everyone knows Jacoby will lead off and Pedroia will bat second. Let them get comfortable where they are.

As sound as this logic is, you can't leave stuff on the table when you tinker. I suppose it would ruffle feathers if Valentine messed about with the order but didn't mess with the table-setters. Better to ruffle Lou Merloni's feathers than, say, Big Papi's.

"Number three, please step forward and say 'Are you BLIND, Ump?'"