Fangraphs: Number-Two Hitters

[weams]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-end-of-the-terrible-number-two-hitter/

If you've recently spent time with other humans, it's likely that you noticed that they tend to be overconfident about how well they understand the world around them. Think of all of the people you know who have tried to weasel their way out of admitting they were wrong even when presented with strong evidence that they had misinterpreted a situation. Humans are bold and unapologetic in their declarations and do not like it when you point out that they?ve made a serious error.

It?s hard to criticize people for that when it seems to be a pretty fundamental aspect of the species. It?s not good or bad, it simply is. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy little moments when someone makes a compelling argument and then the world totally destroys their hard work by changing around them.

[Can_of_corn]

Look who's last!

About time they caught on.

Now it will only take 40 years for the message board users to get on board.

[DrungoHazewood]

In 1918 the league OPS'd .642. The 16 MLB teams hit 235 homers on the year. Total. In that environment it made sense to have a #2 hitter who'd bunt the leadoff guy over to second, on the off chance that he'd actually made it to first.

I'm sure there are other fields of endeavor where it takes 100 years to adapt to changing conditions.

[MachoMachadoMan]

Put Machado at #2 followed by Jones, Crush and Trumbo, I think you'd have a problem solved.

Problem is then we just have the worst leadoff hitter in the league.

[DrungoHazewood]

Put Machado at #2 followed by Jones, Crush and Trumbo, I think you'd have a problem solved.

Problem is then we just have the worst leadoff hitter in the league.

Depends on Kim. If he OBP's .350 he'd be more than passable. League OBP last year was below .320, wasn't it?

[Can_of_corn]

Big fan of the idea of Kim at #2, if he can do what they think he can do.

Manny

Kim

Jones

Davis

I'd rather run him out at leadoff and Manny at #2.

Less potential for double plays and Manny's power plays better at 2.

[DrungoHazewood]

Big fan of the idea of Kim at #2, if he can do what they think he can do.

Manny

Kim

Jones

Davis

If the OBP is anywhere close lead off Kim. Manny has more power, take advantage of more guys on base.

[Creamsicle]

We have too many guys who hit like number two.

[Camden_yardbird]

There is no context. Did those top teams score more runs?

[ArtVanDelay]

What about the whole "put your best hitter first" thing?

So you're saying Davis should lead off?

[Can_of_corn]

So you're saying Davis should lead off?

You think Davis is going to be better than Machado next season?

[ArtVanDelay]

You think Davis is going to be better than Machado next season?

Strictly at the plate? Yes, I hope so. We can't afford 2014 CD this year.

[Can_of_corn]

Strictly at the plate? Yes, I hope so. We can't afford 2014 CD this year.

Davis only had him by 20 points of wOBA and 15 points of OPS+ last season. I would not be shocked at all to see Manny outperform Davis this season.

[ArtVanDelay]

And just 13 points by wRC+. I wouldn't be shocked either. I'm just hoping that CD is putting up monster numbers that Manny (who will be having a great season in his own right) won't be able to keep up with.

[Orange]

Fowler S

Machado R

Jones R

Davis L

Trumbo R

Wieters S

Schoop R

Kim L

Hardy R

I don't often use the word 'swoon'... but if I did I would use it now. I love that lineup. If you wanted to alternate it more you could switch Jones/Davis and Trumbo/Wieters... depending on performance too.