Bryan: I agree that lineup changes can be used to good effect, but Yost’s tinkering always feels problematic as opposed to progressive (or at least neutral). For instance, the way he has handled Gordon so far this season is troubling. Fans can overreact to a few bad games, that is what makes us stupid and fun to talk with, but Yost should be showing a bit more respect for Gordon’s production last season…instead he sits him three games into the season and then moves him from first to fifth for the home opener. It just doesn’t make any sense to mess with that guy. But, whatever, maybe it won’t become a distraction in the clubhouse — given the circumstances surrounding Yost’s firing in Milwaukee though, it is worrisome. Like you, though, two months might either ease my worry or make me feel foolish to have ever been concerned. For now it is just something to monitor a bit.

Well we have had all of spring training to do that! Of course thats not the real deal scenario but if your looking for further evidence of a plan should you be doing it in front of a big expecting crowd & home opener?

It seemed to me Uncle Neds line up “shake” had the effect of unsettling the players & increasing the level of pressure upon them,bringing Dyson straight into centre field was a perfect example & that line drive should have been caught & would have done if the speedster had taken a better route even if it was well hit & caught the wind!

Yost strength is in his simplicity & everyone on the roster knowing there role,last night in an important game psychologically for both fans & players he veered away from that & he deserves criticism for it!

As for Hochevar we all know he is capable of having a crooked number innings against his name but i really thought he’d put that behind him,it will be a real test of character to put that particular one behind him & make sure he doesnt do it again,we just cant afford the luxury of it,that ball game was over before it started.

No, I understand what you are saying. I’m not saying yost is the end all of managers in KC. I doubt he’s going to recreate the success he had at Milwaukee (raising them up) even with all the young talent we have here in KC. However, I do believe in the process of management. You really can’t even hold last year in the cards. The end of the season we were a completely different team than we were at the beginning of the year. I think there’s a little too much weight put on consistant line ups. Yes I’ve played baseball all through college, and I understand there is some familiarity in being in the same spot and understanding that spots responisiblity in a line up.

I don’t think this is going to be a consistant issue, atleast some of the more baffling moves we’ve seen so far this season. It’s 7 games in, with so many questions about our line up, who’s fitting where and the lack of ability for us to grab an impact second basemen I think it’d be irresponsible to just settle for one line up and go from there. He’s got to figure out how to bring this team into competition, and that does come with some expiremenation.

However, if this is still happening in a month from now, I’ll eat my words and agree with you 100%. I just think we need to slow down a bit before, like I said, we tar and feather the guy.