Dozier's one of my favorite players, but his preference for hitting leadoff is part of this, too. Ideally, he should be hitting lower in the order, with perhaps Buxton hitting leadoff, but what has developed is a 1-2, 1-2 lineup, with Dozier followed by a #2 guy, then Buxton followed by a #2 guy.

 

From Dozier's point of view, he likes hitting leadoff and no one else in the lineup has shown to be better at it. Obviously, Mauer isn't a prototypical #4 hitter at this stage in his career, but hitting him behind Buxton will give many opportunities for Buxton to steal and distract pitchers.

 

I don't get worked up that Escobar is starting for Polanco, but I'd like to see Polanco hit in one of the top two spots, with his good contact skills and decent pitch recognition.

 

It is ironic to see your DH hit #9.

 

I would consider DHing Polanco here, but also....I think they want to see what Grossman can do. I have no issue with that. 

 

I also have no issue challenging Buxton. Eventually he's going to have to hit. 

Yeah... I think Grossman has 2 weeks to prove himself before Park comes up! AND i love Buxton in the 3 hole

I don't like it at all. Why is Polanco not playing? Why is Grossman the DH against a RHP? This doesn't make sense. Why is Buxton batting 3rd instead of in the bottom 3? Why is Mauer still batting 4th?

 

At least DanSan is on the bench. That's the only positive lol

well, the options available to Molitor are Polanco or DanSan or Giminez or a pitcher.... so who else is he going to DH besides Grossman?

 

Polanco I guess, but why complain?

Love reading this thread for the first time AFTER the game. Fun.

Wait till they actually lose a game, it's going to be nuclear around here. 

well, the options available to Molitor are Polanco or DanSan or Giminez or a pitcher.... so who else is he going to DH besides Grossman?

 

Polanco I guess, but why complain?

Perhaps because some of us think that Polanco should play every day (if healthy) at this stage in his development?

 

Mauer splitting the strikeout prone Buxton and Sano, while also getting on base for Sano. It definitely isn't the typical lineup you would expect but I like it a lot. 

 

I'd be curious if there was some analytics behind this. They were doing this in ST as well.  Strange when you think about it, as Mauer isn't the prototypical 4 hitter, but given how odd this is, I have to think there's some data driving it.

Perhaps because some of us think that Polanco should play every day (if healthy) at this stage in his development?

he should be playing SS or 2b every day, agreed. So Esco to SS, Polanco 2B, Dozier DH I can get behind but Dozier needs to field to maintain trade value

 

The gripe was about Grossman anyways...

Edited April 6, 20179 yr by Sconnie

 

Love reading this thread for the first time AFTER the game. Fun.

 

Right? I think Eduardo Escobar might get a chuckle too, come to think of it.

 

***Hell, I'm okay with Nick Nelson replacing Santana

That doesn't work, though. They need a rightie. From what I've read around here, my impression is Nelson is just another tree hugging leftie.

I'd be curious if there was some analytics behind this. They were doing this in ST as well. Strange when you think about it, as Mauer isn't the prototypical 4 hitter, but given how odd this is, I have to think there's some data driving it.

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

 

According to this article your number 4 hitter's OBP statistically has the second most impact on runs scored in the lineup behind leadoff. The theory is to setup a 123-123-321 lineup where 1 are on base people, 2 are slightly less on base, and 3 are true outcome types.

 

1,4,2 and 5 in order have the most obp impact on runs, 3 and 6 you're trying to hit dingers or bust and just get what you can from 7-9 with 9 hopefully being on base for the top of the order.

 

That's how I read Moli's lineup cards but 1 and 4 are reversed cuz The Hair likes to lead off.

Thanks Sconnie! Kinda flies in the face of "#3 hitter is your best guy", which has existed as a truism longer than I've been alive. As I said above, the team's best hitter (Dozier) has expressed a strong preference to hit #1. From the formula presented by Sconnie, he and (probably) Mauer should be switched. Polanco has good OBP skills and isn't hitting near the top of the order, while Buxton's less developed skills are put in the #3 hole.