Big deal or not? That has been the question following the Braves’ 3-0 loss to the Phillies on Saturday following a change up in the lineup, which man Atlanta fans believed was a bad move by manager, Brian Snitker. Among the changes were Ozzie Albies moving from the two spot down to fourth in the lineup, while Michael Harris II was moved up from the ninth spot in the order to the sixth along with Matt Olson going from the fourth position to the third spot in the order.
On Monday on 92-9 The Game’s The Steakhouse with Steak Shapiro and Rusty Mansell, the two discussed whether or not the shake up should be viewed as the potential issue leading to the Braves’ loss. “Whatever, it’s the same guys,” Shapiro said adding that while he understands that the order of the lineup was the same for majority of the season and fans are questioning why the change and want to make it “the big storyline”, he explains why he disagrees. “It doesn’t matter where guys are hitting, they’re still the same guys,” Shapiro said, adding that he himself was not a fan of the change.
As the conversation continued, Shapiro would have producer Beau Johnson weigh in on the topic, as Johnson noted that Snitker’s decision to make the changes was a result of left handed pitcher, Ranger Suarez being on the mound for the Phillies and the success that several Braves batters have had this season against lefties. “Michael Harris hits lefties very well and Snit had the courage to move him up with a lefty on the mound in case he ended up in that situation, he just didn’t come through,” Johnson said, referencing Harris II’s at bat in the bottom of the fourth inning as he would strike out for the third out of the inning with bases loaded.
“It’s still zero, zero when you walk in the box,” Mansell would add responding to Shapiro’s comments about regardless of the order, “It’s the same nine guys,” and blame should not be directed towards Snitker and his decision to switch up the lineup. Click the link above to hear the Steakhouse comments in their entirety.
