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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Batting order roles

Below is a chart that indicates the ideal roles, expectations, and priorities for each batter in the line-up.  Of course, a manager is going to be limited to the talent he has on the team and most likely will not have a hitter in each spot who is capable of achieving all that is expected.  However, showing this to the hitters on a team gives each of them at least an idea of what is expected of them.  This can help because it allows the hitter to develop a better game plan for their day.  It also can allow them to better assess their at-bats beyond the mere number of hits they got that game.  I'm sure there may be some things to add to the various batting order positions on the chart but I think the basics are covered.  Hope you find it useful!
Note: This line-up assumes a designated hitter is allowed.


Order
Roles, Expectations, & Priorities
1

  • Be willing to take some pitches so your team can gather info about the pitcher.
  • Comfortable hitting behind in the count.
  • Be a good bunter (sac and base hit) & be willing to do it at any time.
  • Get on base
  • Line drives and ground balls
  • Good, smart, aggressive base runner
2
  • Be willing to take pitches for your team and so that the leadoff guy can steal
  • Comfortable hitting behind in the count.
  • Get on base
  • Line drives and ground balls
  • Aggressive with runners in scoring position
  • Move runners up – bunt, hitting to RF, etc.
3
  • Drive in runs
  • More aggressive! Especially early in the count and with runners on base
  • Less emphasis on just getting on & moving runners
  • Hits gap to gap / Line drives
  • Usually the best hitter on the team.
4
  • Same as 3rd hitter
5
  • Same as 3 & 4 hitters
  • Ideally, this is a hitter who is a good bat also so the opposition thinks twice about pitching around the 4th hitter. 
6
  • Same as 3,4 & 5 hitters
7
  • Get on base
  • Be a good bunter and be willing to do it.
  • Aggressive with runners on base.
8
  • Same as #7
9
  • Ideally, this hitter is similar to the #1 hitter
  • Good eye for the strike zone
  • A tough out.
  • Good Sac bunter
  • Aggressive with runners in scoring position

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