Marcus Giles:Leading the way

As most of you already know the Braves plan to use Marcus Giles as the leadoff hitter for the upcoming season. How will he do? Since going fulltime in 2003, Giles has usually bat second in the order behind Rafael Furcal. So, moving him up one spot shouldn't make a difference, right? Take a look at Furcal's and Giles OBP.

2003:Furcal: .352 Giles: .390

2004:Furcal: .344 Giles: .378

2005:Furcal: .348 Giles: .365

Giles's OBP looks a tad better, but there really more closely related. During those three years Furcal had 336 more AB's than Giles. I think Giles will fit the role. He usually racks up on doubles, so given 100 more AB's and add 10 more doubles to his total from last year (45) he'll be in good shape. Here's a perspective opening day lineup:

1.Giles
2.Renteria
3.C. Jones
4.A. Jones
5.LaRoche
6.Francoeur
7.McCann
8.Langerhans
9.P