Fiddling with the Lineup - Page 3

BigRapidsJackass · 04-28-2008, 03:47 PM

We've been through this before, and the bottom line is that batting order just doesn't matter very much.

Hey, but it's still fun to talk about.

Here's what I've always wondered. You've got a slow guy who's an OBP machine (Helton), and a very fast guy without much in the way of other batting skills (Taveras, relatively low OBP + incredibly low power).

Pretend we're in the AL so we don't have to worry about the pitcher batting 9th. Or pretend our manager is Tony LaRussa and he bats the pitcher 8th.

All things being equal, wouldn't you want the order to be

1 Helton
2 Taveras

rather than the other way around? If Helton gets on, suddenly the sac bunt isn't necessarily a sacrifice at all with the way Willy runs. With the infield looking bunt, Willy's happy slappy batting style might push a lot of grounders through the infield.

As I said, it doesn't really make much difference. But I can't understand why no manager ever does this.

Newman · 04-29-2008, 10:36 PM

I've never understood why statheads, SABR types, say that the batting order doesn't matter, doesn't make a difference. Why not pick it out of a hat then?

Oakland bats their catcher Susuki leadoff. I think that's dumb. Catcher is such a physical position,up down up down. And you want him leading off and running more? I wouldn't do it.

OK, now Tulo is down. For weeks it looks like.

First, why not Spilly at 3B, instead of Ianetta?

Holliday was drafted as a 3B says the emailer.

Do we bring up Nix now? Or where is Giles?

HoyaRoxFan · 04-29-2008, 11:22 PM

Whoa, what a strange infield tonight. Here's something you don't see every day...

wolf213 · 04-30-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoyaRoxFan

Whoa, what a strange infield tonight. Here's something you don't see every day...

And to think, back in spring training we had Stewart trying to play 2b, when all we should have done was move Atkins over..... I'm joking... sorta.

HoyaRoxFan · 04-30-2008, 12:20 AM

Seriously, he's had some gems there tonight...

Also, Mr. Hurdle, please let Chris play more.... just not at third.

Newman · 05-01-2008, 08:40 AM

Play Barmes at 2B full time now while Tulo is out. I thought it was ridiculous for Hurdle to put him over at SS yesterday. Barmes needs to learn 2B. The two people he brought up can play both SS and 2B. Put the new kid at SS.

Barmes needs to gain experience at 2B. It's a long season. Tulo will be back eventually.

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Colorado Rockies - FanHome	This thread	Refback	08-06-2007 12:53 AM

04-28-2008, 03:47 PM	#31 (permalink)
BigRapidsJackass Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,069	We've been through this before, and the bottom line is that batting order just doesn't matter very much. Hey, but it's still fun to talk about. Here's what I've always wondered. You've got a slow guy who's an OBP machine (Helton), and a very fast guy without much in the way of other batting skills (Taveras, relatively low OBP + incredibly low power). Pretend we're in the AL so we don't have to worry about the pitcher batting 9th. Or pretend our manager is Tony LaRussa and he bats the pitcher 8th. All things being equal, wouldn't you want the order to be 1 Helton 2 Taveras rather than the other way around? If Helton gets on, suddenly the sac bunt isn't necessarily a sacrifice at all with the way Willy runs. With the infield looking bunt, Willy's happy slappy batting style might push a lot of grounders through the infield. As I said, it doesn't really make much difference. But I can't understand why no manager ever does this.

04-29-2008, 10:36 PM	#32 (permalink)
Newman Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Aurora Posts: 500	I've never understood why statheads, SABR types, say that the batting order doesn't matter, doesn't make a difference. Why not pick it out of a hat then? Oakland bats their catcher Susuki leadoff. I think that's dumb. Catcher is such a physical position,up down up down. And you want him leading off and running more? I wouldn't do it. OK, now Tulo is down. For weeks it looks like. First, why not Spilly at 3B, instead of Ianetta? Holliday was drafted as a 3B says the emailer. Do we bring up Nix now? Or where is Giles?

04-29-2008, 11:22 PM	#33 (permalink)
HoyaRoxFan Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 266	Whoa, what a strange infield tonight. Here's something you don't see every day...

04-30-2008, 12:20 AM	#35 (permalink)
HoyaRoxFan Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 266	Seriously, he's had some gems there tonight... Also, Mr. Hurdle, please let Chris play more.... just not at third.

05-01-2008, 08:40 AM	#36 (permalink)
Newman Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Aurora Posts: 500	Play Barmes at 2B full time now while Tulo is out. I thought it was ridiculous for Hurdle to put him over at SS yesterday. Barmes needs to learn 2B. The two people he brought up can play both SS and 2B. Put the new kid at SS. Barmes needs to gain experience at 2B. It's a long season. Tulo will be back eventually.