By now it’s become a running joke with Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.
He’s posted 28 lineups this season and all 28 orders have been different Nos. 1 through 8.
“Believe me, there is not a computer program that’s popping it out,” Gonzalez said Wednesday. “People think, ‘Oh, Fredi must have a computer or they are giving it to him from the front office.’ Believe it or not, it’s pure coincidence.”
Every other team in the majors has duplicated a lineup at least once. Gonzalez has just three lineup regulars—four if including catcher A.J. Pierzynski—and has mixed and matched the rest of his lineup.
Using multiple platoons partially explains why Gonzalez has used so many lineup combinations. Still, the Braves haven’t had many injuries so it’s remarkable the Braves haven’t repeated a lineup.
“Sooner or later it’s got to happen,” Gonzalez said. “But you know what? It’s worked. It’s worked to keep guys fresh and facing who they should be facing, putting them in a situation where they are going to be successful. That’s what we try to do as managers.”
Entering Wednesday the Braves ranked fourth in the NL with 4.37 runs per game.
