Beltran To Bat Second ???

While Luis Castillo is on the disabled list, manager Jerry Manuel has the chance to place different hitters in the second spot in the batting order.

Manuel has said he likes to use the second spot for struggling hitters, to jump-start them. The theory is that if Jose Reyes is on base, the following hitter should see more fastballs than usual, in the hopes of preventing Reyes from stealing a base.

Manuel has hinted that he may try Carlos Beltran in the # 2 spot, in the hopes of improving the offense, and getting Beltran's bat jump-started.

Last night, Ryan Church hit second, which I prefer. Church has done well in the second spot. Before last night's game, Church had hit second in 14 games, hitting .321, with a .394 OBP, a .607 SLG, 4 HR's and 10 RBI's in 56 at-bats.

I can understand if Manuel wants to get Beltran's bat jump-started, but, I love Church in the # 2 spot.