Welcome, Robert. I look forward to seeing your thoughts here at BB. Myself, I only learned that Dave Stieb was a good pitcher back in the days I went to Exhibition Stadium; of course, I was maybe eight years old at the time...

I get the feeling that Kent's batting order might need to get re-arranged. As it has been created chronologically, I find myself in the #3 spot. I have no pretenses that I deserve such an exalted place in the lineup. -)

Well, I'd better go polish my forthcoming stuff on the Mariners farm system, so I can earn my considerable salary...

Robert, I'm delighted you're joining the BB team and look forward to your articles. I expect you and Craig will teach me some painful lessons in the TRHL this year.

We are nine, and love baseball, a flimsy basis for the BB "lineup" metaphor. Jordan is a fast typist, as good a reason as any to be our leadoff batter. By his own admission, Craig is the worst hitter of all time, a claim reluctantly conceded by Dave. (This is not looking good; I hope Mike can hit a little.)

Mick didn’t protest my assessment of him as a fourth OF in Little League, and his "bio" of John suggests good wheels. Since they’re both American and weren’t subject to the short-season-on-frozen-tundra syndrome growing up, they belong in the heart of the order by default. Robert’s already been assigned his role by Craig. Sean is the deferential rookie who wants to be dropped down in the order. I’ve noticed grounders get harder to reach every spring, so even though I’m still quite proud of my hitting, that will be the old, round Coach clogging the bases. After careful consideration of our defensive abilities, here's my suggestion:

FURLONG   (1B)
WILLIAMS  (1B)
GIZZI     (1B)
DOHERTY   (1B)
DENYSZYN  (1B)
WHITTAKER (1B)
TILL      (1B)
BURLEY    (1B)
DUDEK      (C)

Several of us may have to play out of position, just like the Tigers and Orioles.

Uh, Coach, I usually play second base but my best defensive position is at DH.

None of us can hit, but many of us can provide veteran leadership!

I'm waiting to see if I can get an offer from a Yankees blog.

I agree with our defensive alignment, even if unconventional. We need to get our stories straight, so I propose that this be our mantra:

Of course it's not eight morons playing the same position -- it's the Barry Shift!

I think I'm a worthy member of the eight-headed monster at 1B. I actually was a first baseman, in part because (as Red Auerbach might say) "you can't teach height," and in part because of my tragically inaccurate throwing arm.

What I lack in talent I make up for in Darrin Erstad type intensity and determination. My range at DH is indisputable.

Gentlemen, I think we have ourselves a Hacking Mass entry.

Geez with all the first base/Dh types in this lineup,whose the G.M.......Theo Epstein ?