Teams are starting to move away from putting there best overall hitter up 3rd. Studies show it is wrong to put the best there, but I do think most managers still put the best up 3rd.
"Studies?" It's all about setting up your lineup. You want to stick the faster guys with good OBP ahead of the bigger power, best hitter guys since they can move base to base more frequently. The #3 hitter is also guaranteed to hit in the first inning, unlike the cleanup guy. I know the statheads think you should put your best hitter in the leadoff spot, but that also limits their ability to drive in runs as the lower OBP guys will be batting right in front of them when the lineup turns over
Hal sucks
Actually, the studies show putting your best up 2nd, if I'm not mistaken. (5th is also high.)
I'm with you though, I form my line-up like this:
(Guidelines not set in stone- other factors are involved, but these are the major factors.)
1) I start with the 3 slot and put my best combined OBP & SLG guy here. If it's a tie, I go with BA over BBs.
2) I put my best OBP guy up 1st, unless he has power and I lack it with the next 7 guys.
3) I put my next best OBP up 2nd.
4) The best remaining overall hitter goes up 4th with power as a high second priority.
5) The closest guy to the 4 slot criteria goes here.
6-9) Best up higher-worst down lower
When we had Ortiz I was fine with it. If we get JD I'd be fine with it. Still, It's not what I'd do... and I also think it shouldn't be written in stone. As the season progresses we can get a feel for how we need it. Ex: Say 2 months in, XB's and/or Beni's BA & OBP is through the roof but still no power and Betts is looking like he'll put up 30HR again, I'll be looking for a change.
just to keep updated, Kinsler just signed w/ the Angels. per MLBTR:The Tigers will receive right-hander Wilkel Hernandez and outfielder Troy Montgomery, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). Montgomery ranks higher on MLB.com’s list of Angels prospects (No. 20 to Hernandez’s No. 24).
Not that I was expecting anything from the Sox.
"It happens to everybody, man. He's had 60 at-bats. A couple of years ago, I had 60 at-bats, and I was hitting .170, and everyone was ready to kill me, too. And what happened? Laser show. So, relax."
Betts should be hitting third. Cora, this ain't Houston.
I like betts in the lead off role.
Betts
Benintendi
Pedroia (when healthy)
JD
Hanley
Hosmer
Devers
Bogey
Vazquez/Leon
Bradley