Pitchers batting 8th

[ElTexan]

Should pitchers bat eighth? | FOX Sports

 

[Erie Warrior]

Interesting strategy. It does make sense, to a point. At the end of the day, I don't think it will matter.

 

[podsox]

it doesn't make a difference. managers have a lot of time to over think

 

[tducey]

Depends on the situation, if you have a good #9 hitter then it's alright because he could get on base and have your leadoff man on deck.

 

[Beengay fudgepackers]

I think it depends on who your lead off man is. If you have Tulo leading off, it's a great strategy. If you have Dee Gordon or Billy Hamilton leading off not as much.

 

[calsnowskier]

I think it depends on your "#8" hitter.

If the bottom hitter of your lineup is an OBP guy, then you strongly consider batting the pitcher #8. There is little point in having a guy JUST get on base in front of the pitcher.

Conversely, if your bottom hitter is an aggressive hitter with a bit of pop, then you bat your pitcher #9. Having a guy willing to expand the zone and/or hit the occasional Jack is what you need with no protection.

There is a likely out behind you. No point in playing it safe and trying to get a rally started from the #8 hole. Go for the gusto! If you are unable to do that, than might as well have you try to OBP yourself in front of the top of the order.

This, of course, assumes all pitchers are the same with a bat. They are not, though. Greinke, Bumgarner, Thor, etc are all VERY good hitters. Having an OBP guy in front of them has quite a bit of value.

 

[obxyankeefan]

If your #8 hitter has speed, but not much else I would consider it, other than that I agree with Cal.

 

[MilkSpiller22]

I love the strategy of hitting your pitcher( or worst batter 8th). In an ideal offense I would do this!!! But just like in every strategy you need the right players...

 

[UK Cowboy]

I know a great High School coach(back to back State Championship games) who swears by putting his best hitter at leadoff, 2nd best at 2, 3rd best at 4, and the next best fastball hitter he has in the 9 hole. Couple of reasons...Obviously, to set the table for the top, but also, with the pitcher not wanting to walk the 9 hole in front of the top of the order, the 9 hole is likely to see a ton of fastballs, and you can turn a .250 hitter into a .300 hitter by getting him more FB's to hit

 

[calsnowskier]

I know a great High School coach(back to back State Championship games) who swears by putting his best hitter at leadoff, 2nd best at 2, 3rd best at 4, and the next best fastball hitter he has in the 9 hole. Couple of reasons...Obviously, to set the table for the top, but also, with the pitcher not wanting to walk the 9 hole in front of the top of the order, the 9 hole is likely to see a ton of fastballs, and you can turn a .250 hitter into a .300 hitter by getting him more FB's to hit

That MIGHT work at the HS level, but not at the MLB level. MLB pitchers are not kids throwing a ball as an extracurricular activity. They can throw changes, curves, sliders, and countless different fastballs.

Having Barry Bonds, circa 2001 lead off is a complete waste. Yes, you have a lead off hitter with a .450 OBP, but you are losing all the additional RBI situations that the most feared hitter in the history of the game would have if he hit #3, #4 or #5.

 

[UK Cowboy]

That MIGHT work at the HS level, but not at the MLB level. MLB pitchers are not kids throwing a ball as an extracurricular activity. They can throw changes, curves, sliders, and countless different fastballs.

Having Barry Bonds, circa 2001 lead off is a complete waste. Yes, you have a lead off hitter with a .450 OBP, but you are losing all the additional RBI situations that the most feared hitter in the history of the game would have if he hit #3, #4 or #5.

No, it wouldn't work in helping the hitter, but you would have a better hitter in front of the best hitters in you lineup, and during a regular season 162 games, there'd be less times the top of the order came up with 1 out after the pitcher led off the inning

 

[romeo212000]

Pitchers hitting is stupid anyway.

 

[molsaniceman]

Pitchers hitting is stupid anyway.

Pitchers batting 8th are hitting .135 batting 9th .129 They may be on to something

 

[romeo212000]

Pitchers batting 8th are hitting .135 batting 9th .129 They may be on to something

It's still stupid. Pitchers are paid to pitch. I get tired of seeing an NL team get a little rally going only to see the pitcher let off the hook because he gets to pitch to the equivalent of a high school hitter.

 

[calsnowskier]

It's still stupid. Pitchers are paid to pitch. I get tired of seeing an NL team get a little rally going only to see the pitcher let off the hook because he gets to pitch to the equivalent of a high school hitter.

I agree.

I wish they would get rid of the lineup all together. If I go to an Angels game, I want to see Trout get 15 ABs...

 

[romeo212000]

I agree.

I wish they would get rid of the lineup all together. If I go to an Angels game, I want to see Trout get 15 ABs...

Weak. Up your game, son.

 

[calsnowskier]

Weak. Up your game, son.

NL fans need to dumb it down so you AL, training-wheelers can understand.

 

[romeo212000]

NL fans need to dumb it down so you AL, training-wheelers can understand.

I understand well enough. I understand football became better with the forward pass and baseball is better without the pitcher flailing at three pitches.

 

[calsnowskier]

I understand well enough. I understand football became better with the forward pass and baseball is better without the pitcher flailing at three pitches.

Roster depth means nothing in the AL. Having to decide when/if to double switch is the beauty of the game. AL managers just set the lineup then turn on the autopilot.

No thanks.

Besides, Madison Bumgarner, Noah Synderhaard and Mike Leake beg to differ with your "flailing at three pitches" impression.

 

[romeo212000]

Roster depth means nothing in the AL. Having to decide when/if to double switch is the beauty of the game. AL managers just set the lineup then turn on the autopilot.

No thanks.

Besides, Madison Bumgarner, Noah Synderhaard and Mike Leake beg to differ with your "flailing at three pitches" impression.

There's an exception to every rule. Watching pitchers get let off the hook because they get to pitch to their counterpart is bs.