My 9

A couple weeks back I posted My 25, a look at who I think will make the opening day roster.  Today I will be predicting My 9, the 9 players that will start on opening day... and I'll take it a step further by attempting to predict the batting order and positions of the players.

1) Rickie Weeks (2B)

2) Corey Hart (RF)

3) Prince Fielder (1B)

4) Bill Hall (CF)

5) Geoff Jenkins (LF)

6) Johnny Estrada (C)

7) Ryan Braun (3B)

8) JJ Hardy (SS)

9) Ben Sheets (SP)

- Chris Capuano should be the starting pitcher, but I think Ned Yost will go with Ben Sheets instead.

- With his speed, I could see Corey Hart leading off, too.  If this happens I think he will just swap spots with Rickie Weeks.

- My "Big Leap" was naming Ryan Braun as the starting third baseman.  I understand it will likely be Counsell or Graffanino, but I could see Braun getting thrown in there right off the bat.

- I will revisit this post after opening day.  I will assign a point value to the three possible scenarios: player in the lineup (2 points), correct field position (1 point), correct order in the lineup (1 point).  So if Rickie Weeks leads off and plays second base, I get 4 points, but if Ryan Braun doesn't start, I get 0 points for him.  The most points I can receive are 36.  I'll see what my percentage is and assign myself a grade based on what happens!