In just 40 games since Manuel became manager of this team has Rollins batted third, which is where the shortstop will find himself Friday at 1:05 p.m. when Roy Halladay opens the 2011 season against Brett Myers and the Houston Astros at Citizens Bank Park.
Just twice before has Rollins not started the season as the leadoff hitter. In 2004, he batted seventh with Marlon Byrd the top man. In 2001, he hit second behind Doug Glanville.
By June 1, 2004, Rollins was back in the leadoff spot. At the end of July 2001, he was hitting first.
Ideally, for Manuel, when (or if) Utley returns, Rollins could be headed back to his customary leadoff spot. But, as the manager said, he could be a decent fit at No. 3.
"He is a guy who has knocked in over 90 runs before," Manuel said. "He did that in the No. 1 hole. So why can't he do it in the No. 3 hole?"
Armchair managers can spend hours dissecting lineup construction, but the arguments are typically moot. Statistical studies have shown there is little difference in most lineup combinations. Protection is overstated. There is one maxim: Your best players, the ones with the highest on-base percentage, should have the most plate appearances. Thus, they should bat in the upper third.
Manuel subscribes to that notion, in theory.
"The key to Howard is if we can have people on base in front of him," Manuel said. "People talk about who hits behind him. I think having runners on definitely makes a manager think a lot over there and also the pitcher on the mound, too. I think that's what's going to help Howard more than anything."
In each of the last two seasons, Rollins has posted an on-base percentage below the National League average. His career OBP of .328 is just four points above the league average from a season ago.
Other than his speed, Rollins does not possess the typical characteristics of a leadoff hitter.
