I ran some numbers on what position in the batting order actually leads off an inning the most time. Obviously the 1 hitter will leadoff the most times overall because every game he will lead off but after the 1st inning it's a crap shoot as to which hitter leads off the other 8 innings.
I did this because I was curious if it's realy valuable to have a certain type of player hitting 1st (prototype on-base, speed guy) or should you just put your most productive guy in the one hole to maximize his plate appearances.
The numbers
(batting order in 1st column, number if times that spot led off an inning in the second column) :
1 - 19 (10 if you remove the 1st inning)
2 - 8
3. - 7
4. - 7
5. - 8
6. - 11
7. - 10
8. - 7
9. - 6
As it turns out it is what I thought it was. Past the first inning it makes no difference whis hitting in the one hole. My conclusion is that if your team has a guy who truly fits that leadoff type (high average, walks a lot, above average speed) then lead him off. Otherwise get your most productive guy in that spot and maximize his ab's.
Not earth shattering stuff here but I was curious what those numbers looked like.
I did this because I was curious if it's realy valuable to have a certain type of player hitting 1st (prototype on-base, speed guy) or should you just put your most productive guy in the one hole to maximize his plate appearances.
The numbers
(batting order in 1st column, number if times that spot led off an inning in the second column) :
1 - 19 (10 if you remove the 1st inning)
2 - 8
3. - 7
4. - 7
5. - 8
6. - 11
7. - 10
8. - 7
9. - 6
As it turns out it is what I thought it was. Past the first inning it makes no difference whis hitting in the one hole. My conclusion is that if your team has a guy who truly fits that leadoff type (high average, walks a lot, above average speed) then lead him off. Otherwise get your most productive guy in that spot and maximize his ab's.
Not earth shattering stuff here but I was curious what those numbers looked like.
