Jason Michaels is leading off for Rollins who is experiencing some soreness in his right hand. Many people have been calling for Utley or Michaels to replace Rollins in the lead off role, let’s see how he does.
First AB – Struck out looking
Second AB – Bloop RBI single (coulda been a double if he ran)
Third AB – Check swing, 5-3 groundout
ooooh, they’re walking Lofton to load the bases…
Fourth AB – Check swing, fielder’s choice, but run scores
Game Break: Roy Oswalt wins the final spot on the NL All-Star roster – Wagner finishes 4th, Myers 5th. Phillie fans are denied back-to-back selection, but can only blame themselves.
Fifth AB – Flied out on first pitch
Well, since there’s really nothing more boring than reading a game thread with one participant, I guess we should analyze Michaels’ experience leading off. It’s pretty obvious, as the box score shows, Michaels is not your archetypal lead off hitter. He didn’t take many pitches, except for when he struck out looking in the first, he wasnt on base much and did not score any runs. He’s does not have blazing speed, but in general he does get on base (.415 OBP this year) and despite his spot in the line up, he did drive in 2 runs. That being said, I think Jason should stay in the middle of the lineup, specifically in the 6 hole with an occasional call up to 2nd. That is if he can stay outta CB4
.UPDATE – Jimmy Rollins and Billy Wagner added to All-Star roster as subs.