Aramis Ramirez is currently having a slow start to this season. In 43 plate appearances, he's only recorded just six hits and has a .140 batting average. He just hit his first home run on Wednesday, has six RBI so far this season and has a slugging percentage of .256.
Meanwhile, Corey Hart, in 36 plate appearances, is hitting .306, has four home runs (tied for third in the majors), eight RBI and has a slugging percentage of .750.
Ramirez is hitting fourth in the lineup. Hart is hitting fifth.
Though it's early in the season, Brewers should experiment while they still have time to tinker with the roster. With Milwaukee sitting at 5-6, I think it's time for a change in the starting lineup order, not only to get them past .500, but also to overtake the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central standings.
Corey Hart has been doing so well for the Brewers, he should be batting cleanup, right behind Ryan Braun. It would make more of an offensive impact for the team.
Now this is not a knock on Aramis Ramirez. He's been a consistent batter over the past several years, hitting in the .280-.310 range and knocking in 25-30 home runs a season. He also has shown more speed when running on the basepaths; he does have two stolen bases, which does make it easier for Hart to drive in runs.
However, the first three players in the lineup (Rickie Weeks, Nyjer Morgan, Ryan Braun) already have speed and the ability to get on base as it is.
And with Ramirez's slow start, it doesn't help the Brewers offense, especially when you're hitting just .182 with runners in scoring position (in comparison, Corey Hart is hitting .375 with RISP).
For now, the team should make a switchâ€"give Ramirez the relief from having to hit the cleanup spot and give Hart the chance to deliver offensively and help bring the Brewers to a second straight division title.
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