Lineup courtesy of Matt Gelb:
1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Placido Polanco 3B
3. Chase Utley 2B
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Jayson Werth RF
6. Shane Victorino CF
7. Raul Ibanez LF
8. Carlos Ruiz C
9. Roy Oswalt P
Rollins and Victorino have both been much better batting right-handed and with Jonathan Sanchez on the mound, that’s where they’ll be. In game two, Rollins walked and singled off Sanchez and Victorino doubled for his one hit off him in three at-bats. The only logical motive I can glean from this move is that since Jimmy stole two bases on Thursday, his speed is back and thus should be batting first. I don’t really get it, but there it is.
I also don’t get leaving Polanco at second against a lefty. Split Chase and Ryan up so once the seventh inning rolls around, Bochy would have to decide if he wants Sanchez in to pitch to Polanco in order to get to Ryan, or go to a reliever earlier than he would like. But I digress.