Batting Lineup

[Dalas21000]

Whos idea was it to bat JD Martinez 2nd? Im sorry but I think Moreland is the best #3 hitter...JD Martinez should be hitting cleanup....Most other spots in the lineup are negotiable after that I believe

[Dalas21000]

Of course, the lineup could have been constructed any which way they wanted yesterday and they still would have won but I thimk they need to better construct the lineup to compete with better teams and pitchers in the future

[mvp 78]

Whos idea was it to bat JD Martinez 2nd? Im sorry but I think Moreland is the best #3 hitter...JD Martinez should be hitting cleanup....Most other spots in the lineup are negotiable after that I believe

 

Advanced stats favor your best hitter batting 2nd.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Advanced stats favor your best hitter batting 2nd.

 

Nowadays -- with less men on base -- what matters most is to get your best home run hitters as many at bats as possible... and for a modern "first-strike" offense like Boston's, that means making sure both JD and Devers bat in the first inning. Teams also seem more determined than ever to alternate lefty and righty batters, especially now, with the new three-batter minimum for pitchers.

 

Of course, for one hundred years, when speed and contact were more in fashion, it was good to have a guy in the #2 hole who could handle a bat and hit to the right side; in the best interests of scoring first, hitting behind the runner was a key to moving a leadoff into scoring position. In that regard -- with swift southpaw swingers like Beni and Verdugo probably slated for #1 -- JD may be the Sox best righty stick who can go oppo, with authority (Bogie can hit to right, but they -- and we -- prefer he swings away and doesn't poke the ball, like he did pre-Cora).

[oldtimer]

Nowadays -- with less men on base -- what matters most is to get your best home run hitters as many at bats as possible... and for a modern "first-strike" offense like Boston's, that means making sure both JD and Devers bat in the first inning. Teams also seem more determined than ever to alternate lefty and righty batters, especially now, with the new three-batter minimum for pitchers.

 

Of course, for one hundred years, when speed and contact were more in fashion, it was good to have a guy in the #2 hole who could handle a bat and hit to the right side; in the best interests of scoring first, hitting behind the runner was a key to moving a leadoff into scoring position. In that regard -- with swift southpaw swingers like Beni and Verdugo probably slated for #1 -- JD may be the Sox best righty stick who can go oppo, with authority (Bogie can hit to right, but they -- and we -- prefer he swings away and doesn't poke the ball, like he did pre-Cora).

 

Not a bad idea to bat JD second. Now we need our leadoff hitter to produce in front of him. Four strikeouts and no hits against Orioles pitching is not the kind of start we need. Maybe we will rethink the order if Beni doesn't produce. The problem is the season is so short that its hard to leave a cold guy in for the first 10 or 20 games.I would think that applies to any position. Go with the hot hands!

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

Not a bad idea to bat JD second. Now we need our leadoff hitter to produce in front of him. Four strikeouts and no hits against Orioles pitching is not the kind of start we need. Maybe we will rethink the order if Beni doesn't produce. The problem is the season is so short that its hard to leave a cold guy in for the first 10 or 20 games.I would think that applies to any position. Go with the hot hands!

 

Absolutely -- there's no time waiting for someone to get hot. After today, Boston plays its next 20 games vs. the Mets, Yankees, Rays and Jays. With the Sox pitching -- if their hitters don't bash -- they will have a very difficult time winning even half of those.

 

Seriously, what would be more surprising: the Red Sox going 15-5 or 5-15 in their next 20?

[oldtimer]

Absolutely -- there's no time waiting for someone to get hot. After today, Boston plays its next 20 games vs. the Mets, Yankees, Rays and Jays. With the Sox pitching -- if their hitters don't bash -- they will have a very difficult time winning even half of those. Seriously, what would be more surprising: the Red Sox going 15-5 or 5-15 in their next 20?

 

It's going to be a tough go. If some of the hitters are cold against Oriole pitching, what will happen against the top flight arms we are about to see? If we need 6 or 7 runs on average to win games, that is tough for any offense to generate, let alone one with key players cold.

[Bellhorn04]

The options for leadoff are extremely limited. Might have to get used to seeing Beni there for a while.

[notin]

The options for leadoff are extremely limited. Might have to get used to seeing Beni there for a while.

 

In a short season, might see the Hot Bat. Right now, that means Peraza. (Bradley arguments accepted.)

[notin]

It's going to be a tough go. If some of the hitters are cold against Oriole pitching, what will happen against the top flight arms we are about to see? If we need 6 or 7 runs on average to win games, that is tough for any offense to generate, let alone one with key players cold.

 

Two key players are ice cold. Benintendi and Devers are a combined 0 for 18 with 9 strikeouts...

[notin]

Two key players are ice cold. Benintendi and Devers are a combined 0 for 18 with 9 strikeouts...

 

And while he only has one start, adding Bogaerts to these two gives the Sox three very key hitters who are a combined 1 for 24 with 13 strikeouts. They’re not even unlucky so far. They’re not putting the ball in play at all.

 

I know it’s just two games, but these were also games started by Tommy Milone and a rebuilt Alex Cobb...

[Bellhorn04]

In a short season, might see the Hot Bat. Right now, that means Peraza. (Bradley arguments accepted.)

 

The short season doesn't change the facts that Beni's lifetime OBP is 41 points higher than Peraza's, and hot bats don't stay hot.

 

Some patience and common sense is still necessary.

 

I do agree that leashes will be a little shorter, though.

[notin]

The short season doesn't change the facts that Beni's lifetime OBP is 41 points higher than Peraza's, and hot bats don't stay hot.

 

Some patience and common sense is still necessary.

 

I do agree that leashes will be a little shorter, though.

 

It’s also true that batting orders can be changed daily...

[Bellhorn04]

It’s also true that batting orders can be changed daily...

 

They can be, sure, but I don't see your point.

[Dalas21000]

Speed and contact is what we need in the leadoff/number 2 spot....Thats what I believe has worked for years...What theyre doing right now is not working...Also, I think Moreland should be in that lineup batting as much as possible(Like every game if possible).....I dont think this team can afford to leave his bat out of the lineup.....If I were the coach I would seriously consider putting OBJ leadoff spot.....A guy that is getting on base with speed.....I would bat Peraza/Verdugo/Maybe Devers 2nd......Moreland 3 spot.....JD cleanup.....I stand firm with this lol

[Dalas21000]

I think OBJ has earned a chance to bat leadoff....Benintendi can hit lower in the order in my opinion

[Dalas21000]

Thats why Im putting a focus on whos hitting right now......I would give OBJ a shot at leading off.....Hes getting on base, hes fast...cansteal bases

[Dalas21000]

Not a bad idea to bat JD second. Now we need our leadoff hitter to produce in front of him. Four strikeouts and no hits against Orioles pitching is not the kind of start we need. Maybe we will rethink the order if Beni doesn't produce. The problem is the season is so short that its hard to leave a cold guy in for the first 10 or 20 games.I would think that applies to any position. Go with the hot hands!

 

But I dont think JD is a number 2 batter......I disagree with anyone who likes him batting 2nd

[mvp 78]

Thats why Im putting a focus on whos hitting right now......I would give OBJ a shot at leading off.....Hes getting on base, hes fast...cansteal bases

 

Not fast. 55 career SB’s.

[Dalas21000]

Nowadays -- with less men on base -- what matters most is to get your best home run hitters as many at bats as possible... and for a modern "first-strike" offense like Boston's, that means making sure both JD and Devers bat in the first inning. Teams also seem more determined than ever to alternate lefty and righty batters, especially now, with the new three-batter minimum for pitchers.

 

Of course, for one hundred years, when speed and contact were more in fashion, it was good to have a guy in the #2 hole who could handle a bat and hit to the right side; in the best interests of scoring first, hitting behind the runner was a key to moving a leadoff into scoring position. In that regard -- with swift southpaw swingers like Beni and Verdugo probably slated for #1 -- JD may be the Sox best righty stick who can go oppo, with authority (Bogie can hit to right, but they -- and we -- prefer he swings away and doesn't poke the ball, like he did pre-Cora).

 

What do you mean when you say Nowadays with less guys on base?Thats why you put guys in the beginnng. Of the order that can get on and steal bases......and your Morelands and JD maybe Devers can hit them in

[mvp 78]

Chavis is faster than JBJ according to statcast.

[Dalas21000]

Nowadays -- with less men on base -- what matters most is to get your best home run hitters as many at bats as possible... and for a modern "first-strike" offense like Boston's, that means making sure both JD and Devers bat in the first inning. Teams also seem more determined than ever to alternate lefty and righty batters, especially now, with the new three-batter minimum for pitchers.

 

Of course, for one hundred years, when speed and contact were more in fashion, it was good to have a guy in the #2 hole who could handle a bat and hit to the right side; in the best interests of scoring first, hitting behind the runner was a key to moving a leadoff into scoring position. In that regard -- with swift southpaw swingers like Beni and Verdugo probably slated for #1 -- JD may be the Sox best righty stick who can go oppo, with authority (Bogie can hit to right, but they -- and we -- prefer he swings away and doesn't poke the ball, like he did pre-Cora).

 

Nowadays, we have nobody on base because the guys that get on base(Moreland,OBJ) are either hitting 9th in the lineup or are not in the lineup

[Larry Cook]

But I dont think JD is a number 2 batter......I disagree with anyone who likes him batting 2nd

 

Trout is batting 2nd for the angels!

[mvp 78]

Trout is batting 2nd for the angels!

 

Punch and judy hitter. 48 OPS+ in 2020! DFA!

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

What do you mean when you say Nowadays with less guys on base?Thats why you put guys in the beginnng. Of the order that can get on and steal bases......and your Morelands and JD maybe Devers can hit them in

 

"Nowadays" is modern MLB baseball -- less guys on base is a direct product of less contact and less hits. It's literally all or nothing, as home runs and strikeouts are at an all-time high. Last year's Red Sox, for instance, set team records in HRs and for eight batters with 100 or more whiffs.

 

It wasn't that long ago, in 2013, the Sox' world champs had only one 30 homer guy -- Big Papi -- but only three batters with 100 Ks. If you really go back in time to 1975, Jim Rice was the only hitter on the AL pennant winners with 100 Ks. He also led the club in longballs, with 22. But the '75ers were an exciting offensive unit, pacing the league in runs, hits, doubles, batting average and OPS.

[Larry Cook]

Punch and judy hitter. 48 OPS+ in 2020! DFA!

 

I’d claim him in a heartbeat!

[mvp 78]

I’d claim him in a heartbeat!

 

He’d blow through the lux tax. It’s more important to reset!

[oldtimer]

Beni is not a power hitter He slimmed back down which will help his defense and base running, but he will wind up as a 15 HR guy and a decent but not great outfielder with an average arm. To be of value he has to have a high OBP. He looked lost against the O's going 0 for 10 with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. This is his 3rd season and he either needs to produce or he won't last in the majors. For now, I would drop him in the order as there are better choices for leadoff. Be interesting to see what the Sox do.

[Noles_1335]

Devers..... 1-14 with 6 K’s. Maybe those 15lbs he gained in the offseason are slowing him down or is it the fact he swings out of his shoes on every pitch?

[Noles_1335]

Beni is not a power hitter He slimmed back down which will help his defense and base running, but he will wind up as a 15 HR guy and a decent but not great outfielder with an average arm. To be of value he has to have a high OBP. He looked lost against the O's going 0 for 10 with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. This is his 3rd season and he either needs to produce or he won't last in the majors. For now, I would drop him in the order as there are better choices for leadoff. Be interesting to see what the Sox do.

 

I like what he just did.... will help him tremendously if he can just drop that bunt down and get teams out of the shift!