Strategy question

[AHSFL]

Got a doozie of a strategy question. I've never really been a power guy, more a Whitey Herzog type manager who wants guys that can run and get on base and this has left me with a heck of a decision that even I can't figure out. I've got Sean Casey hitting 314 with a 407 OBA but only 11 RBI batting clean-up while I have Adam Piatt hitting 423-508 in the same amount of ABs with 20 RBI batting all over the place (2, 3, 5, 6). I've had Piatt in the 3 spot the last 2 sims (slow sim) with Casey batting behind him because I figured that Casey would have guys to knock in with my 1 and 2 hitters having OBAs of 386 and 340 respectively and both have incredible speed. Well it hasn't worked out that way. Should I figure that Casey will make up for it and keep him in the clean-up spot or move Piatt down and put Casey in front of him so Piatt then has 3 guys in front of him with OBAs 340+?

[Clay Dreslough]

Really depends on who has more power. If Piatt's belting homers, it's a shame to waste those homers in the #2 spot when there may not be many guys on base.

If he's really getting on base a lot, I wouldn't bat Piatt below the #3 spot so that the middle of the lineup has a chance to knock him in.

[ervinn]

First, something to think about...

We know that a team's leadoff hitter is only assured a leadoff at-bat once every game. We also know that every player in the lineup is a leadoff hitter at some point in the game -- whether it be the first, second, third....or ninth inning. We also know that the players at the top of the batting lineup get more plate appearances than those at the bottom. We also know that there is more to being a good offensive player than being a good hitter; i.e. a good eye at the plate and speed.

From this information we can safely assume that the best overall offensive should be at the top of the lineup and the rest should be at the bottom of the lineup.

Using the assumption we have made we must come to realization that rarely are teams strong enough throughout the lineup to be able to support a power hitter in the lead-off spot.

In addition to the assumtion we have just made it is common sense to bat power hitters behind players who get on base a lot and who ideally have speed on the bases as well.

I don't know who your #1 and #2 batters are, or what other players you have on your team for that matter, but from the OBA numbers you presented if the #2 batter is not generally expected to produce better than .340, I would consider moving him further down if there is another player that would be suitable. In my opinion, players at the top of the lineup should have OBAs of .360 or better, if possible.

To make a long story short, in my opinion it would not be wrong to bat Piatt or Casey in the #2 spot, if you had someone in the #9 spot with a .340 OBA and some speed.

If you are managing in the National League and a good batter in the #9 slot is unlikely, you should keep your #1 and #2 hitters the way you have them now (except for possible improvements as suggested above) and put Piatt in at #3 with Casey at #4 -- whoever is your best overall hitter (OBA + SLG).

If Casey isn't getting the RBI's, it may be because he hasn't been getting the opportunities or because he hasn't been taking advantage of them or a combination of both. Unfortunately, without an individual stat showing runners left on base it is difficult to tell without going through the play-by-play what the reason is for Casey's low RBI count.

So, Clay? How about a LOB (Left On Base) stat for the batters?

Cheers...

[ervinn]

Originally posted by ervinn
"...Piatt in at #3 with Casey at #4 -- whoever is your best overall hitter (OBA + SLG)..."

I meant to say that the #3 batter should be your best overall hitter (OBA + SLG).

[Clay Dreslough]

Originally posted by ervinn
So, Clay? How about a LOB (Left On Base) stat for the batters?

Interesting. I have some higher priorities, but I'll add it to my list.

CLay