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In regards to the generic concern about lineup order - I agree.   You are correct that the majority of lineup moves do not have "dramatic" impact on run production. 
But, I do have to say - specifically in regards to the Junior/Kotchman issue, my sense from your writings, (and I apologize if I'm mis-reading), is that your perspective seems to be strongly influenced by your pre-conceptions about both players.
From day one to present, you have clearly voiced your dislike of the Kotchman acquisition.  And, while there is no doubt that Kotchman did not contribute offensively in regards to last nights game specifically -- my emotional response to your comments is probably best summed up as "Art thou protesting too much?"
For the season - Kotchman - batting 7th for the bulk of the year - leads the team in HRs and RBI.  I don't think it unreasonable to suggest that if your #7 hitter is leading your team in RBI, then perhaps your lineup construction is less than optimal.
But -- *MY* perspective is also colored by my pre-season takes.  I've been a Kotch supporter from day one - saying he's likely to post an .800 (or above) OPS.  I also said before the season that Griffey was toast.  Through one month - there is zero doubt that my sense of both players has been upheld statistically.
But - even given that - *MY* complaint and desire to swap Griffey and Kotch is based on the basic concept of rewarding production and effort.  From day one, Kotch has done everything professionally and effectively.  Griffey had struggled in regards to production.  Keeping Griffey batting 5th while Kotch is 'hot' and Junior is 'cold' harkens back to the Bavasi/Grover Veteran Entitlement (TM) days.
If GRIFFEY is moved down in the order while slumping - that would send a message that might be of help to any of the younger guys who might be moved down in the order at some point.  The longer Griffey is left hitting 5th, the more detrimental it becomes when you move some younger, (less entitled), player down in the order.
I think many of the fans, who grew up on Griffey the Hero, are just as resistant to the concept that it really is over.  But, they aren't getting paid to make the hard decisions and win games.  The ultimate sad reality is that Griffey has one XBH and only 4 RBI on the season.  The reality is that at the end of April, the Seattle team got more RBI from the #9 slot in the order (8) than they did out of the #5 slot (6).
Ultimately, the 'blame' for offensive impetence cannot be blamed on any single hitter.  The reality is that of the top 11 batters - the club has 5 producing UNDER .600 (and Figgins barely avoids this at .605.  My position is - if you've got 6 of your top 11 hitters at .605 OPS or less, it makes little sense to be complaining about the 5 hitting .721 and up.  Nor is it unreasonable to want the bulk of those 5 producing hitters higher in the order than those not.

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