A's Lineup: Cespedes in LF, ‘Shreddick' time?

The LineupJemile Weeks, 2B
Seth Smith, DH
Josh Reddick, RF
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
Brandon Inge, 3B
Coco Crisp, CF
Kurt Suzuki, C
Cliff Pennington, SS
Instant AnalysisAs predicted, Yoenis Cespedes makes his left field debut for the Oakland Athletics. His arm plays much better in left. He played all three of his games with the River Cats in left, and threw out a baserunner at second in his third game in that position. Cespedes has a much stronger throwing arm than Crisp, and he will have more chances to gun down runners in left, which improves the A's defense. Crisp also has better range than Cespedes in center field. It is a win-win. It is worth noting that Daric Barton hasn't been receiving much playing time lately. The A's already sent down pitcher Tyson Ross, so they will probably have to send down a position player when they clear roster space for Brandon McCarthy. Barton is a candidate to be sent down because he has one option left. He is hitting .198, with one homer and four RBIs in 37 games. Those numbers don't cut it in a corner infield position, or really any position for that matter. The other option could be Collin Cowgill, who manager Bob Melvin has been impressed with. Top of the Order Seth Smith moves up to the second spot in the batting order. He hasn't started a game there all season. Smith is a patient hitter and could work well in that spot. Smith is good at getting on-base, he walks in 14.56 percent of his plate appearances, ranking him eighth in the American League. Heart of the OrderJosh Reddick seems motivated for the game tonight. Tweeting the following: Let's end this losing streak TONIGHT. SHREDDICKTIME josh Reddick (@joshreddick16) June 1, 2012Reddick who has 14 homers, could benefit greatly with Cespedes returning to the fourth spot in the lineup. A's clean up hitters batted just .185 in Cespedes' absence. Bottom of the OrderCoco Crisp moves up to the seventh spot in the lineup. He batted eighth in the previous game. Crisp is starting to swing the bat a little better, he has three hits and a stolen base in his last two games.