Dusty Baker To Stick With Cozart

This shouldn’t be a shock to anyone but Dusty Baker has decided to stick with shortstop Zach Cozart in the 2 spot in the batting

Jun. 23, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zach Cozart (right) throws to first to complete the double play after forcing out Arizona Diamondbacks base runner Willie Bloomquist in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Cozart has been batting awful recently, his batting average on the season has dropped down to .230 with an OBP of .261. To make things worse Cozart went 5 for 49 in June. That is an abysmal .102 average for the month.

Dusty Baker today addressed all the couch managers and writers who think he should move Cozart down in the order. When asked why Cozart wasn’t further down in the order Dusty had this to say:

"“I already had him down in the order,” Baker said. “I had him down in the seventh hole probably half the time.”"

He statement is a little untrue, Cozart has batted 2nd 63 times this year versus 17 times in the 7 spot. To be fair though Cozart hit worst in the 7 spot than in the 2 spot, if that’s even possible.

The original plan after Ludwick went down was to have Brandon Phillips bat in the 2 spot. Unfortunately that didn’t work for a litany of reasons.

As for sticking with Cozart Dusty said this about Cozart:

"“You’ve got to learn some kind of way,” Baker said. “Someday, he’s going to be an excellent second hitter. We’re teaching guys how to hit at the big league level. There’s a difference between swinging and hitting.”"

Cozart has never been a great hitter he batter .246 last season, not exactly stellar numbers. Cozart has no confidence at the moment.

In my opinion you send him down to Triple A for a few games and play Cesar Izturis in his place. A change might help this team a little.

In the meantime continue to shake your head at the confusing logic of one Dusty Baker.