Robinson starts in left, bats eighth Thursday

CLEVELAND -- During Wednesday's game, the Indians batted speedy Drew Stubbs in the ninth spot against the Reds. Depending on how the lineup turned over, Stubbs was effectively a second leadoff hitter ahead of actual Cleveland leadoff man Michael Bourn.

On Thursday in the series finale, the Reds started their fastest player -- Derrick Robinson -- in left field. But manager Dusty Baker batted Robinson eighth, behind designated hitter Devin Mesoraco and ahead of catcher Ryan Hanigan.

Might Baker have considered batting Robinson ninth to put his speed ahead of leadoff man Shin-Soo Choo?

"I thought about it," Baker said. "Robinson's leg is bothering him. So I might not be able to run him, and I might be able to use just his bat instead of his legs."

Baker would not elaborate on the nature of Robinson's leg issue. Also, Baker felt like he needed to separate Mesoraco and Hanigan.

"Last night, I didn't like Hanigan and [Jack] Hannahan back-to-back," Baker said. "I had no speed. If he feels good, I can still hit and run with Robinson."