What do Johnny Damon and Dwight David Eisenhower have in common? Nixon in the #2 slot.

Nine days before Opening Day, manager Terry Francona made a significant change in the lineup vs. right-handed starting pitchers by moving Trot Nixon [stats, news] up to second from sixth and dropping Edgar Renteria from second to fifth. It also resulted in Kevin Millar [stats, news] dropping one spot to sixth.

I like this spin on the move:

"We could probably hit these guys anywhere and if they hit like they're supposed to, we'll be OK,'' Francona said. ``But the idea is, if they hit like they're supposed to, is to maximize our scoring opportunities."

Nixon, for his career, has a 20 point higher OBA than Renteria. Batting Renteria fifth is also interesting. It looks to me as if they're trying to use him as a leadoff man for the bottom of the order.

It should be noted that with Bellhorn batting 9th, you have two great OBA guys in front of Nixon, leading to this comment by Francona:

"Our two-hole is more of an RBI position than other clubs, so we view it a little different," Francona said. "It may be a little bit unconventional but I think when you sit down and look at it, it seems to be in our best interests."

Nixon, in this sense, is a swing man. He's a table setter in the first inning, and he's an RBI man when Bellhorn and Damon set the table. A fascinating lineup.

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