smart or stupid: Avila and Wills up the middle

[tomwistar]

Facing about 40% lefty starters. Strong lineup 2 through 6. I was thinking Avila leadoff, Wills 8th and he would function almost like another leadoff guy, get him on and he steals or gets bunted over and the 1-4 guys can knock him in.

Or am I giving up too much defensively? I could dump Wills for a "1."

[MICHAELTARBELL]

Sort of depends on where you are playing ,but if you are facing 40% lefties, avila would be a great choice. However, i would pick someone other than wills, preferrably a 1. He is fast, but seldom gets on.....and a 1 at SS would help compensate for Avila somewhat....

good luck! :)

[cplake]

I think you'll need a better defender at one of those positions. I would prefer a 1 at SS and have actually used Avila at 2B before with good results.

[joeoc]

I have used Avila and had good individual reults with him but have never won a championship while he was at second. That defense is hard to overcome, my understanding is he has reduced range and trouble with turning the DP's which of course keeps innings alive and pitching staff ERA's up. :shock:

He should hit a ton, it's just a matter of how much he'll cost you on defense.

[DOUGELKE]

Have won with both of them,just use defensive replacement for Avila in late innings

[cplake]

I won a championship with Avila at 2B and no defensive replacement. I don't remember who my SS was but I don't think his DEF was very good. It CAN be done but you need some luck on your side.......