Renteria Batting Sixth -- For Now
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/03/2004
JUPITER, Fla. -- While much attention is being paid to second base and left field this spring, manager Tony La Russa's batting order already has become a point of discussion within the organization.
The manager already has dismissed a suggestion that he move shortstop Edgar Renteria from the No. 6 or No. 7 spot to leadoff.
That doesn't mean the debate is over.
Renteria's versatility ensures the debate will continue whether he should remain in a run-producing role or move up to No. 2, where his high on-base percentage would make him a perfect candidate as a run-scorer.
Renteria amassed 100 RBIs last season -- a club record for his position -- and prefers hitting behind Pujols and Rolen rather than before them. The Silver Slugger shortstop also has said he'd gladly abide by whatever La Russa thinks best for the team.
"I think he could be a terrific second-place hitter," said La Russa, repeating the phrase. "He's got one other quality that makes him a candidate to hit fifth, sixth or seventh. He loves to drive in a run, and he has a real ability to do that.
"If you've got other guys driving in 100, then Edgar hits second. But when we've got a guy driving in 100 runs, he's not driving in 100 hitting second."
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