What's the strategy behind batting the pitcher 8th?

CHOPTALK · Apr 13, 2015

Is there some kind of metrics or formula to back this up or is it just a case of the manager trying to be cute?

Technically the 8th spot is the bottom of the order cleanup hitter.

Im just trying to figure out the logic.

I mi can think of a few positives hitting the pitcher 8th but I can also think of a lot of negatives

HarryCaray · Apr 13, 2015

They interviewed Madden about this and he said it was largely so he can double switch sooner. Which made no sense to me, because how do you know here you'll be in the batting order when it's time to yank your pitcher.

So I think it's just manager trying to be cute.

CHOPTALK · Apr 13, 2015

HarryCaray said:
They interviewed Madden about this and he said it was largely so he can double switch sooner. Which made no sense to me, because how do you know here you'll be in the batting order when it's time to yank your pitcher.

So I think it's just manager trying to be cute.

Yea that makes no sense at all.

loomis41973 · Apr 13, 2015

Sabermetrics baby

joebatters · Apr 13, 2015

Tony LaRussa used to say that he did it to increase the odds of guys being on base for Albert Pujols. I guess that makes a little bit of sense

CHOPTALK · Apr 13, 2015

joebatters said:
Tony LaRussa used to say that he did it to increase the odds of guys being on base for Albert Pujols. I don't know how this makes any sense either.

Thats what I was thinking.

If Pujols bats 3rd that means there would be 3 non pitchers batting in front of him instead of 2 non pitchers batting in front of him.

NickPappagiorgio · Apr 13, 2015

Many times its a simple as the manager believing he is the always smartest man in the room

loomis41973 · Apr 13, 2015

Pretty hard to argue against LaRussa

neverbend · Apr 14, 2015

Stengel often would have Don Larsen batting 7th ahead of Coleman & Rizzuto.

joebatters · Apr 14, 2015

neverbend said:
Stengel often would have Don Larsen batting 7th ahead of Coleman & Rizzuto.

That's interesting. I never knew that. He must've been a pretty good hitter, obviously.

skoda · Apr 14, 2015

joebatters said:
Tony LaRussa used to say that he did it to increase the odds of guys being on base for Albert Pujols. I guess that makes a little bit of sense

exactly what I read last week after seeing a pitcher batting 8th with a 2nd baseman in the 9th spot. whoever said this thought it gave him an edge

possible but what if.......

when pithcher batting 8th made last out prior inning. 1-2-3-4 inning (1) 5-6-7-8 inning (2) 9th leads off inning (3) base hit 1st doubles 2nd/3rd no out walk 2nd bases loaded with 3rd batter hitting who hits a line drive to 1st who catches ball steps on 1st throws to 2nd base for a triple play.

back to the clean-up hitter leading off the 4th, give this man a raise!

neverbend · Apr 15, 2015

joebatters said:
That's interesting. I never knew that. He must've been a pretty good hitter, obviously.

Larsen came up to the Yankees in 1955 right American Association All-Star game in which he pitched & hit two homeruns.
Before being called up he had a 9-1 pitching record & was hitting .326 with 6 homeruns in only 46 at bats.

slapshot · Apr 15, 2015

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/3/17/795946/optimizing-your-lineup-by

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/20...ers-actually-bat-their-batting-order-position

$tinky · Apr 15, 2015

So the leadoff hitter isn't clogged up on the bases by the pitcher if he happens to get on. I think its a saber-metrics thing.

bases80 · Apr 15, 2015

its like you have 2 leadoff hitters with a field player batting 9th

HarryCaray · Apr 15, 2015

slapshot said:
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/3/17/795946/optimizing-your-lineup-by

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/20...ers-actually-bat-their-batting-order-position

Interesting reads, thanks.

hehateme82 · Apr 16, 2015

Why can't pitchers hit better.. that's always been my question.

What's the strategy behind batting the pitcher 8th?

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