Thoughts on dropping Burley down in the order vs lefties?

[Futuregm2]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

[ScotchMIrish]

My thoughts on that are he probably faces the starting pitcher 2, maybe 3 times because most starting pitchers in 2026 are 5, maybe 6 inning pitchers. Then most of the time it's a right handed relief pitcher.

Good question. Do you move him down in the order? I'd say it depends on who the replacement is and whether that player can hit right handers.

[Shady]

He has a 218 BA and a 532 OPS vs lefties.

I'd be breaking in I. Herrera at 1st base and just sitting Bison when a LHSP is on the mound (bringing him in once the LHSP departs) if this continues into the ASB.

.218/.532 is terrible

This is why many saw him as a platoon only player prior to 2025 when he finally broke out vs LHP: .271 .310 .398 .708.

But he's sliding vs LHP again.

Give him half the season to find it again vs LHP.

If he does, then great.

if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound.

JMO

"if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound". I'd be interested in what your current Cardinals lineup would look like against an outstanding LHP, like Chris Sale, without Burleson in it.

[rockondlouie]

He has a 218 BA and a 532 OPS vs lefties.

I'd be breaking in I. Herrera at 1st base and just sitting Bison when a LHSP is on the mound (bringing him in once the LHSP departs) if this continues into the ASB.

.218/.532 is terrible

This is why many saw him as a platoon only player prior to 2025 when he finally broke out vs LHP: .271 .310 .398 .708.

But he's sliding vs LHP again.

Give him half the season to find it again vs LHP.

If he does, then great.

if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound.

JMO

"if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound". I'd be interested in what your current Cardinals lineup would look like against an outstanding LHP, like Chris Sale, without Burleson in it.

So you actually think Burly is the answer vs an outstanding LHP like C. Sale when he's hitting .218 w/a.532 OPS vs LHP?

I'd give him until the ASB vs LHP to breakout of this.

If he does like he did in 2025, then great.

No need to panic.

If he doesn't hit LHP like he didn't in 2023 & 2024 when he was a 2% below average league hitter because he couldn't hit LHP, then he needs to sit.

Like all of Cardinals Nation I'm pulling for him to get back to 2025 levels vs LHP since it makes the offense much better.

But I'm not willing to run him out there every game if 2026 Burly is back to the 2023 (.607 OPS)/2024 (.514 OPS) version.

No sane fan would want to see that.

[TheFantasyStud]

It really would be nice to find a nice RH platoon hitter to help take a few at bats away from several of our lefties like Burly, Gorman and JJ. If don’t right it just makes everyone look better.

[Shady]

He has a 218 BA and a 532 OPS vs lefties.

I'd be breaking in I. Herrera at 1st base and just sitting Bison when a LHSP is on the mound (bringing him in once the LHSP departs) if this continues into the ASB.

.218/.532 is terrible

This is why many saw him as a platoon only player prior to 2025 when he finally broke out vs LHP: .271 .310 .398 .708.

But he's sliding vs LHP again.

Give him half the season to find it again vs LHP.

If he does, then great.

if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound.

JMO

"if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound". I'd be interested in what your current Cardinals lineup would look like against an outstanding LHP, like Chris Sale, without Burleson in it.

So you actually think Burly is the answer vs an outstanding LHP like C. Sale when he's hitting .218 w/a.532 OPS vs LHP?

I'd give him until the ASB vs LHP to breakout of this.

If he does like he did in 2025, then great.

No need to panic.

If he doesn't hit LHP like he didn't in 2023 & 2024 when he was a 2% below average league hitter because he couldn't hit LHP, then he needs to sit.

Like all of Cardinals Nation I'm pulling for him to get back to 2025 levels vs LHP since it makes the offense much better.

But I'm not willing to run him out there every game if 2026 Burly is back to the 2023 (.607 OPS)/2024 (.514 OPS) version.

No sane fan would want to see that.

I guess stats are revealing. But I've seen Burleson take some really good ABs vs LHP this season. I know, a little because of me, some on CT, like to slam Burleson any chance they get. But I'm sticking with Burly in any Cardinals lineup. Especially, against a really good LHP like Sale. Anybody that can't see how Burleson competes in the batter's box against anybody. Simply ain't looking hard enough. Burleson is not getting all of them RBIs just against RHP.

[ecleme22]

He has a 218 BA and a 532 OPS vs lefties.

I'd be breaking in I. Herrera at 1st base and just sitting Bison when a LHSP is on the mound (bringing him in once the LHSP departs) if this continues into the ASB.

.218/.532 is terrible

This is why many saw him as a platoon only player prior to 2025 when he finally broke out vs LHP: .271 .310 .398 .708.

But he's sliding vs LHP again.

Give him half the season to find it again vs LHP.

If he does, then great.

if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound.

JMO

"if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound". I'd be interested in what your current Cardinals lineup would look like against an outstanding LHP, like Chris Sale, without Burleson in it.

So you actually think Burly is the answer vs an outstanding LHP like C. Sale when he's hitting .218 w/a.532 OPS vs LHP?

I'd give him until the ASB vs LHP to breakout of this.

If he does like he did in 2025, then great.

No need to panic.

If he doesn't hit LHP like he didn't in 2023 & 2024 when he was a 2% below average league hitter because he couldn't hit LHP, then he needs to sit.

Like all of Cardinals Nation I'm pulling for him to get back to 2025 levels vs LHP since it makes the offense much better.

But I'm not willing to run him out there every game if 2026 Burly is back to the 2023 (.607 OPS)/2024 (.514 OPS) version.

No sane fan would want to see that.

I guess stats are revealing. But I've seen Burleson take some really good ABs vs LHP this season. I know, a little because of me, some on CT, like to slam Burleson any chance they get. But I'm sticking with Burly in any Cardinals lineup. Especially, against a really good LHP like Sale. Anybody that can't see how Burleson competes in the batter's box against anybody. Simply ain't looking hard enough.

You’re stupid.

[rockondlouie]

He has a 218 BA and a 532 OPS vs lefties.

I'd be breaking in I. Herrera at 1st base and just sitting Bison when a LHSP is on the mound (bringing him in once the LHSP departs) if this continues into the ASB.

.218/.532 is terrible

This is why many saw him as a platoon only player prior to 2025 when he finally broke out vs LHP: .271 .310 .398 .708.

But he's sliding vs LHP again.

Give him half the season to find it again vs LHP.

If he does, then great.

if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound.

JMO

"if not, then sit him w/a LHSP on the mound". I'd be interested in what your current Cardinals lineup would look like against an outstanding LHP, like Chris Sale, without Burleson in it.

So you actually think Burly is the answer vs an outstanding LHP like C. Sale when he's hitting .218 w/a.532 OPS vs LHP?

I'd give him until the ASB vs LHP to breakout of this.

If he does like he did in 2025, then great.

No need to panic.

If he doesn't hit LHP like he didn't in 2023 & 2024 when he was a 2% below average league hitter because he couldn't hit LHP, then he needs to sit.

Like all of Cardinals Nation I'm pulling for him to get back to 2025 levels vs LHP since it makes the offense much better.

But I'm not willing to run him out there every game if 2026 Burly is back to the 2023 (.607 OPS)/2024 (.514 OPS) version.

No sane fan would want to see that.

I guess stats are revealing. But I've seen Burleson take some really good ABs vs LHP this season. I know, a little because of me, some on CT, like to slam Burleson any chance they get. But I'm sticking with Burly in any Cardinals lineup. Especially, against a really good LHP like Sale. Anybody that can't see how Burleson competes in the batter's box against anybody. Simply ain't looking hard enough. Burleson is not getting all of them RBIs just against RHP.

We all hope he breaks out of it, but you're the one who started a thread about JJW (rookie) questioning him so you opened the door for questioning a struggling vs LHP Burly.

But no one is "slamming" him, I'd say the vast majority in here are fans which is why we give him fun nicknames.

I think he'll figure it out and get back on track vs LHP which is why I said not to panic and at least given him half the season before even considering platooning him.

And Oli will, no worries Burly won't be in the lineup every game he's available.

[JDW]

Just to lower the gidp rate out of the 3 hole should be a consideration. I assume Walker's gidp rate is lower than Burly's, but JW does hit the ball with such good exit velocity maybe I'm wrong there. Regardless, I'd rather see Walker in the 3 hole day in/day out with his much higher OPS.

[ScotchMIrish]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

Historically 25-27 % of plate appearance are vs lhp. It's good to have a bench player or two who can hit lhp but not a primary concern when constructing a roster.

[Shady]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

Historically 25-27 % of plate appearance are vs lhp. It's good to have a bench player or two who can hit lhp but not a primary concern when constructing a roster.

That's an interesting stat. I was wondering about that. Until Burleson imoroves against LHP, I wouldn't be opposed to him batting #6 in the lineup vs LHP. But in order for that to make sense, they'd need at least one more really productive hitter vs LHP to put at 2 through 5. Maybe two.

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

Just to lower the gidp rate out of the 3 hole should be a consideration. I assume Walker's gidp rate is lower than Burly's, but JW does hit the ball with such good exit velocity maybe I'm wrong there. Regardless, I'd rather see Walker in the 3 hole day in/day out with his much higher OPS.

Someone likes the idea too! Haha. I like the idea of his bat coming up more often.

[ecleme22]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

Historically 25-27 % of plate appearance are vs lhp. It's good to have a bench player or two who can hit lhp but not a primary concern when constructing a roster.

That's an interesting stat. I was wondering about that. Until Burleson imoroves against LHP, I wouldn't be opposed to him batting #6 in the lineup vs LHP. But in order for that to make sense, they'd need at least one more really productive hitter vs LHP to put at 2 through 5. Maybe two.

Yes, in order for them to move Burly down in the order vs LHP (.530 ops), they must first find 1 or 2 really productive hitters!

That’s like saying Scott can’t be replaced at CF unless his replacement has an .875 ops or better.

[Shady]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

Historically 25-27 % of plate appearance are vs lhp. It's good to have a bench player or two who can hit lhp but not a primary concern when constructing a roster.

That's an interesting stat. I was wondering about that. Until Burleson imoroves against LHP, I wouldn't be opposed to him batting #6 in the lineup vs LHP. But in order for that to make sense, they'd need at least one more really productive hitter vs LHP to put at 2 through 5. Maybe two.

Yes, in order for them to move Burly down in the order vs LHP (.530 ops), they must first find 1 or 2 really productive hitters!

That’s like saying Scott can’t be replaced at CF unless his replacement has an .875 ops or better.

Man, you are full of manure. That's apples to oranges.

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

Historically 25-27 % of plate appearance are vs lhp. It's good to have a bench player or two who can hit lhp but not a primary concern when constructing a roster.

That's an interesting stat. I was wondering about that. Until Burleson imoroves against LHP, I wouldn't be opposed to him batting #6 in the lineup vs LHP. But in order for that to make sense, they'd need at least one more really productive hitter vs LHP to put at 2 through 5. Maybe two.

Yes, in order for them to move Burly down in the order vs LHP (.530 ops), they must first find 1 or 2 really productive hitters!

That’s like saying Scott can’t be replaced at CF unless his replacement has an .875 ops or better.

Scott could replace him with a 797 OPS vs lefties.

[Shady]

Once he’s ready Joshua Baez will be a helpful player to a team that has a number of players that struggle vs LHP. Baez has hit over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 the last 2 years vs LHP.

vs LHP
Wetherholt: .185/.324/.296
Burleson: .218/.241/.291
Gorman: .208/.286/.250
Church: .333/.344/.367 ***not bad***


Ironically VS2 is our best LH batter vs LHP with a .343/.368/.429 batting line

Historically 25-27 % of plate appearance are vs lhp. It's good to have a bench player or two who can hit lhp but not a primary concern when constructing a roster.

That's an interesting stat. I was wondering about that. Until Burleson imoroves against LHP, I wouldn't be opposed to him batting #6 in the lineup vs LHP. But in order for that to make sense, they'd need at least one more really productive hitter vs LHP to put at 2 through 5. Maybe two.

Yes, in order for them to move Burly down in the order vs LHP (.530 ops), they must first find 1 or 2 really productive hitters!

That’s like saying Scott can’t be replaced at CF unless his replacement has an .875 ops or better.

Scott could replace him with a 797 OPS vs lefties.

That's funny. 2 thru 5 need a lot more power potential than Scott could provide. That's why Winn, also, shouldn't bat cleanup or even 5 in the lineup.