Join me as I partake in a little experiment, inspired by the Skipper himself. In my Ode to a Slump, I suggested the Nationals players need to try something new, maybe a little foot tapping and dancing (now THAT would be entertaining). Frank Robinson agrees on the something new, but his idea is looking in the mirror and maybe a little lineup magic.

The style with which they’re accomplishing it, however, had Robinson standing in front of his team afterward, delivering that message. It is time for accountability. It is time for changes. It is time for renewed energy, focus, commitment. This was not some “Kumbaya,” embrace-your-brother love-in. This was an edict: Go home, think about what you do and return with a new attitude.

Yep yep, I’m with you there…

Robinson said afterward, unequivocally, that there would be lineup changes Thursday, and he might as well throw names in a hat and pull them out one by one.

Hmm… now there’s a novel idea! I decided to try it and see what happened, worrying that I wouldn’t pick enough players to fill each position (like multiple infielders or something, which I kinda did but isn’t new for this team).

So I wrote out each player’s name from the 25 man roster who’s not a pitcher on a piece of paper. I did, however, include Livan Hernandez for the fun of it, figuring if I drew his name, he’d be the designated hitter. I mean, we’re looking for a complete shakeup and overhaul in this experiment, right?

Next I threw all the names in a bowl, since I didn’t have a hat readily available in my cubicle. I probably have one of the floppy Budweiser Nationals hats in my car, but I was too lazy to go down and find one, plus it’s probably still dripping wet and would run the ink.

I then wrote a column numbered 1-9 and added each name as I drew them in order. Afterwards, I figured out positions. Livan Hernandez was drawn!

And now, for tonight’s Washington Nationals lineup!

1. Jose Vidro 2B
2. Marlon Anderson LF
3. Nick Johnson 1B
4. Ryan Zimmerman 3B
5. Livan Hernandez DH
6. Royce Clayton SS
7. Daryle Ward CF
8. Brian Schneider C
9. Jose Guillen RF

How doya think a stressed out Jose Guillen will feel about batting 9th?? Hee!

So someone point Frank Robinson in this direction, ok? I’d love to see how this lineup works out! I was actually surprised at how it somewhat followed normal patterns (well, ok, Schneider ended up in his usual slot). Interestingly, Robinson has said he’s considering Vidro in the leadoff spot. Hmm….

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 29th, 2006 at 12:45 pm and is filed under Players, Washington Nationals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.