Nothing like putting yourself out there and hoping it works out for the best.  Its how greatness truly gets achieved.  Just ask any legend because nobody got anywhere without action.  That is why Doug Melvin has been wheeling and dealing that would make a used car salesman shed a tear of pride.  Doug Melvin has made it clear that this stretch run is about October glory or bust.  While Melvin mortgages some of the future for a present day ring, Ned Yost continues to step with the caution of a man about to walk on hot coals.  Ned Yost's fierce loyalty threatens to crush this season yet again.  Why Rickie Weeks is still batting leadoff is only reasons loyalty can answer.

For every big night like Rickie had in game one against the Cardinals, there are plenty of 0-5 nights to negate the positive.  The stats do not lie.  Rickie is not getting the job done that is needed at leadoff spot to pop champagne in late October.  Sure, Rickie usually finds home every time he touches first base.  The issue is a .329 OBP, .375 slugging percentage, and .219 average is not good enough stats to use the whole he scores a lot argument.  The simple issue is not if Rickie Weeks can not get the job done.  The issue is he is not good enough.  To win in October, you have to be better than good enough at the leadoff spot.  You have to be the one consistent threat in the offense.  Look at the 2003 Marlins.  They got great pitching but they also had Juan Pierre on base to give plenty of chances for runs.  How did Boston come back in 2004 against the Yankees in the ALCS?  Answer:  Johnny Damon played out of his mind and set the table.  The White Sox won it all in 2005 largely because Scott Podsednik stole base after base and got clutch hits in October. 

Does Rickie Weeks inspire that confidence that he can be a top notch table setter that serves up a championship feast?  Not with a .219 average and a glove that is shaky at best.  The Weeks leadoff experiment needs to be put on hold.  Corey Hart or Ray Durham are the two bats that give you the best chance to win in the leadoff spot now.  Durham's defense is a little bit more trustworthy than Weeks as well.  Weeks might be able to get hot like he did last September.  His numbers and performance this year have shown that every step forward he takes, it is followed up by four steps back.  Ned Yost can not put up with that.  Not when you are going for it all.  You either go big or go home in these situations.  Ned Yost's loyalty to Weeks may cause the Brewers to be at home come October.