OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Q&A: How do you construct the optimal lineup?

Reed · 07-25-2024, 08:33 AM

Years ago I read an article by Bill James on why not to put your best hitter (power+average) #3 and put them number #4.
If you bat them #4 then their first AB will be with someone on base or they will be leading off the second inning. In both cases they will get better pitches to hit and be in a spot to cause more damage.
If you bat them 3rd, about half the time their first AB will be with 2 outs and no one on base. In that case, the pitcher will be more selective in what he throws.

He suggests putting an average hitter in the 3 spot.

Google— Bill James, lineup construction. Good article at fangraphs.

07-25-2024, 08:33 AM	#14
Reed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 2,339	Years ago I read an article by Bill James on why not to put your best hitter (power+average) #3 and put them number #4. If you bat them #4 then their first AB will be with someone on base or they will be leading off the second inning. In both cases they will get better pitches to hit and be in a spot to cause more damage. If you bat them 3rd, about half the time their first AB will be with 2 outs and no one on base. In that case, the pitcher will be more selective in what he throws. He suggests putting an average hitter in the 3 spot. Google— Bill James, lineup construction. Good article at fangraphs. __________________ I am not responsible for anything I post!!! Use at your own risk! Last edited by Reed; 07-25-2024 at 08:39 AM.