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Timofmars · 04-23-2018, 02:29 AM

I think the alternating L/R batting order gives a slight advantage in the game when relievers start to come in. I think when the AI has multiple relievers that fit the role for what they want to bring into the game at the moment, they will tend to use the one that gives a better L/R matchup. So by having an alternating L/R lineup, you'll limit the opposing pitchers to having only 1 immediate platoon advantage, followed by a disadvantage with the next batter.

When a pitcher is brought on in a high leverage situation (runners on base, close game), this alternating lineup helps if the current batter doesn't end the inning. You'll be sure to have an advantage with the 2nd batter to try to get those RBIs.

For pitchers brought on at the start of an inning, the alternating lineup also helps in the same way that your cleanup hitter bats 4th in the 1st inning. The pitcher has an advantage on the 1st and 3rd batters. Sounds bad, right? But your 4th batter will have an advantage if he gets a chance to bat (if it's not a 1-2-3 out inning), and if he does bat, it means there should be a runner on base (unless they already scored, of course). That means the 4th at bat is almost guaranteed to be more important than a typical AB.

And if it was a 1-2-3 out inning, then your 4th batter is again batting in a slightly more important AB, which is leading off the inning, batting with no outs. So you'll have the advantage there if that pitcher stays on for a 2nd inning (which is likely if he only had to pitch a quick 1-2-3 inning).

But I certainly wouldn't bring a weaker player into the lineup just to have this L/R lineup. It's more about squeezing out the advantages of your best 9 players by adjusting their batting order. You also have to consider that you'll be facing a starting pitcher for half the game, so you don't want to move guys around if it will make your lineup weaker against that SP. You want your best guys grouped together at the top half of the lineup so they are more likely to hit each other in, plus have a higher chance of getting one extra AB before the game ends.

04-23-2018, 02:29 AM	#6
Timofmars Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 251	I think the alternating L/R batting order gives a slight advantage in the game when relievers start to come in. I think when the AI has multiple relievers that fit the role for what they want to bring into the game at the moment, they will tend to use the one that gives a better L/R matchup. So by having an alternating L/R lineup, you'll limit the opposing pitchers to having only 1 immediate platoon advantage, followed by a disadvantage with the next batter. When a pitcher is brought on in a high leverage situation (runners on base, close game), this alternating lineup helps if the current batter doesn't end the inning. You'll be sure to have an advantage with the 2nd batter to try to get those RBIs. For pitchers brought on at the start of an inning, the alternating lineup also helps in the same way that your cleanup hitter bats 4th in the 1st inning. The pitcher has an advantage on the 1st and 3rd batters. Sounds bad, right? But your 4th batter will have an advantage if he gets a chance to bat (if it's not a 1-2-3 out inning), and if he does bat, it means there should be a runner on base (unless they already scored, of course). That means the 4th at bat is almost guaranteed to be more important than a typical AB. And if it was a 1-2-3 out inning, then your 4th batter is again batting in a slightly more important AB, which is leading off the inning, batting with no outs. So you'll have the advantage there if that pitcher stays on for a 2nd inning (which is likely if he only had to pitch a quick 1-2-3 inning). But I certainly wouldn't bring a weaker player into the lineup just to have this L/R lineup. It's more about squeezing out the advantages of your best 9 players by adjusting their batting order. You also have to consider that you'll be facing a starting pitcher for half the game, so you don't want to move guys around if it will make your lineup weaker against that SP. You want your best guys grouped together at the top half of the lineup so they are more likely to hit each other in, plus have a higher chance of getting one extra AB before the game ends.