Why is Mookie Betts leading off?

[Dalas21000]

I know the team has done alright lately but what about giving Boegarts a shot at the leadoff spot??? Consdering OBP, BA and I think Boegarts is more clutch

[mvp 78]

Xander has a great RISP batting average. That would be wasted hitting 3rd.

[Dojji]

Mookie's a hitting prospect with tons of talent and potential. I have zero problem with the team putting him in the lineup spot that gets the most average plate appearances per game, just to maximize his reps for the rest of the year.

[Kimmi]

I know the team has done alright lately but what about giving Boegarts a shot at the leadoff spot??? Consdering OBP, BA and I think Boegarts is more clutch

 

I wouldn't look at BA or "clutch", but you have a point about OBP. The most important job of the lead off hitter is to get on base. Unfortunately, managers still have the false notion in their minds of what a typical lead off hitter should be.

[reYoukilis]

Betts is fast. I think that's why he leads off. He does need a better OBP but its not because he doesn't walk enough, he does, its because he doesn't hit for average enough, unlike XB. XB seems ideal for batting 2nd because he has such good average and can move the leadoff guy from first to third, unlike a BB would which XB isn't that great at. XB's OBP is not that much higher than his avg.

[a700hitter]

I think his OBP is fine when coupled with his speed to bat lead off. I think XB should be in the 2 hole when Pedroia comes back. I would drop Sandoval to #6 after Hanley when he is back in the lineup.

[mvp 78]

@Shesta_Sox: Mookie Betts is the first Red Sox player with 50 extra-base hits in a season before turning 23 years old since Jim Rice in 1975.

[a700hitter]

@Shesta_Sox: Mookie Betts is the first Red Sox player with 50 extra-base hits in a season before turning 23 years old since Jim Rice in 1975.

Good company.

[Behindenemylines]

I think the more AB gets the higher his on base percentage will be. Betts leads the team in SBs and he hits a lot of doubles. I think he will grow into the lead off spot.