Anaheim, Calif. — Every time Victor Martinez doesn’t score from second base on a single, or doesn’t score from first on a gap shot, a clamor arises for manager Brad Ausmus to move him down in the batting order.
As if that will solve the issue.
Ausmus does not believe that it would. In fact, moving Martinez out of the No. 4 spot would create a far bigger problem.
“I think Victor is the best protection for Miggy (Cabrera, who hits third) just because he bats left-handed more than anything,” Ausmus said. “If you hit him sixth, then you basically have five right-handed hitters at the top of the lineup and if you are facing a good right-handed pitcher, it makes it easier for him.