I’ve said it every time there’s an argument about Joe Maddon changing the lineup, it’s worked so he probably knows what he’s doing and the majority of the time it works. HOWEVER! Maddon’s continual use of Albert Almora Jr. is the single dumbest thing happening with the Chicago Cubs right now.
The numbers are somehow even worse than I imagined.
Since July 1, Almora has four doubles and has hit into three double plays. Overall, in his last 33 games, he’s slashing .211/.242/.253.
Yeah, we know by now that Almora isn’t going to hit for power or walk much, so he has to hit for a high average to bring any value on offense. That .211 batting average obviously isn’t cutting it.
Yet, Maddon has Almora batting fifth against Max Scherzer Sunday night.
Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup.
Game preview: https://t.co/gkUjQjEhrt #EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/qDEBNlcztq
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 12, 2018
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!
Almora has always been better against lefties, so you might be wondering what are his numbers against right-handed pitching during this rough slump starting July 1?
HOLY FUCKING SHIT!
Almora vs. RHP since July 1:
.143/.194/.159 (.353 OPS)
1 2B, 3 DOUBLE PLAYS!— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 12, 2018
And he’s batting in the middle of the order against one of the best right-handed pitchers in baseball?!?!?!?!
All right, please get a couple big hits tonight to make me look dumb, instead of proving basically everyone except Joe Maddon right about why Almora shouldn’t be in the lineup against righties if it all in the lineup right now.
Almora being in the lineup is bad enough, but fifth? C’mon, Joe! Shit.
