Tony La Russa lineup theory; Discuss

[ANDYCOCHRANE]

Surely though batting Dunn 2nd isn't ideal as he has few hits vs RHP (17.4) and lots of walks (22)? I always thought that it as important #2 had plenty of his OB from hits, rather than walks, that would mean Dunn is not too suited, although obviously his OPS is good.

[1crazycanuk]

If someone is a power hitter wouldn't it follow that he would not hit into too many double plays?

[LARRYLANG]

Not really canuck---case in point---Paul Konerko 41 HR w/ 13 GBa on his card. Not someone I would bat second. I want my biggest sluggers batting 4-5-6. I usually put my best pure hitter for AVG--regardless of power at #3. I want my sluggers following my best hitter #3-- plus speed #1guy and high on Pct guy at #2.

[SEANCALHOON]

Going back to the LaRussa part of the theme, I think this question is based more in baseball and not Strat. In strat since the numbers are mechanical (meaning for the most part, the card will preform as the breakdown suggests), it is easier to plug in the better #2 hitter in baseball theory, a high OBP, speed, LH/S hitter. We can all say that batting a player like Castillo in his prime (first name that came to mind like the above criteria) would be a very good #2 hitter.

However, in looking at what Tony did, I think there has been a pattern for him in the #2 hitter:

1. LH hitter, although E. Renteria had the most ABs there in '04, Drew was used there before that and Walker and even Edmonds since.

2. Power, more importantly doubles power. The '04/05Walker was not the 30 HR threat but still had 2B power to the allies.

3. relative speed/Basepath speed. The player doesn't have to steal bases, which is more of an art - reading pitchers/catchers. But the player must have functional speed, which Walker, Edmonds and Drew all had.

When looking at his roster last year, with Walker healthy, I think the choice for LaRussa became obvious.

Eckstein, only stole 11 bases, so he needs more help than a J. Pierre in getting around to score.
Follow him with Walker, who has the power to hit a double to score Eckstein from first - best case, or at least have 2nd and 3rd. But also he is given the hole at 1B with the runner being held, and has a high OBP.
Then hit Pujols - Edmonds - Sanders (Rolen was injured). That lineup would produce the best possible scoring ability in the top 5 spots.

[ANDYCOCHRANE]

Pelzer, you said Konero has 13 DP chances. That sounds relatively low, surely he could be put 2nd if needed and you had better power lower down? How many DPs is seen as a lot for a #2?

[bomp helium]

One of the main reasons for batting your studs 1/2 (or thereabouts) has to do with the math of playing 162 games...the player batting 2 will quite simply get more ABs than the player hitting five...we want our best and most expensive players to get the most ABs...

I've been a Giants fan for many years, and I can't tell you how many times Bonds has been left in the on-deck circle when the game ended...if he had batted 2nd instead of fourth, you're talking at least another 30 ABs a season...

That's my reason for stacking the top of my lineup with 3-4-5 guys (.300 BA, .400 OBP, .500 SLG)...the lighter-slugging table-setters (the Visquels, Freels, Lugos of the world) I would place 8-9...to set the table for your boppers from the back end...

remember, your "leadoff hitter" is only your leadoff hitter ONCE...after that, your lineup revolves in a circular fashion, and anyone can "lead off" an inning...

of course, you are right to consider other factors -- double plays, etc. -- when building a lineup, but, whenever possible, I try to get my boppers their five ABs a game...

helium