Making A Batting Lineup

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Mar 9, 2015
321
18
My DD's team has been is competitive and they have been tweaking the batting lineup lately. After this weekends games they were talking about reviewing and using stats in gamechanger to build a lineup from scratch and compare to their existing lineup. Well there is so much data available and looking for recommendations on the main stats that could be used to build a lineup. Also, any other intangibles to consider outside of gamechanger please list.
 
Jun 29, 2013
589
18
It makes sense to use all the data available, but you still need to know how to use the data. What I mean is, sometimes the girl Pidgeon-holed as your 8 or 9 hitter actually has a higher OBP than your 2 hitter, who is hitting high based on reputation. That makes sense to get the higher OBP player up in the order. But, it's not the end-all, be-all IMO. You also have to know who can hit with 2 strikes (important to me if you're hitting behind someone who is going to run because you're inevitably asking that kid to take a strike or two), who can go opposite field when you need that, who suffers from performance anxiety and just doesn't perform in the leadoff role, etc. But the concept is a good one, it makes more sense to me to use that rather than saying Sally Sue looks like a leadoff hitter, or Mary Beth is the biggest girl so she needs to hit cleanup without taking into account whether they actually produce.
 
Mar 20, 2015
115
0
NW Az
Don't forget about speed & base running ability (been there, done that). It's a really tricky thing that you just have to keep adjusting to find the right lineup!
 
Aug 12, 2014
644
43
It makes sense to use all the data available, but you still need to know how to use the data. What I mean is, sometimes the girl Pidgeon-holed as your 8 or 9 hitter actually has a higher OBP than your 2 hitter, who is hitting high based on reputation. That makes sense to get the higher OBP player up in the order. But, it's not the end-all, be-all IMO. You also have to know who can hit with 2 strikes (important to me if you're hitting behind someone who is going to run because you're inevitably asking that kid to take a strike or two), who can go opposite field when you need that, who suffers from performance anxiety and just doesn't perform in the leadoff role, etc. But the concept is a good one, it makes more sense to me to use that rather than saying Sally Sue looks like a leadoff hitter, or Mary Beth is the biggest girl so she needs to hit cleanup without taking into account whether they actually produce.

I agree. The stats aren't the end-all but they should be considered. I've seen a lot of coaches keep using a batting order based on how the kids look in practice or who just looks "good" for a spot. Then they end up with a leadoff hitter who never gets on and a number 8 hitter with a .600 OBA and they never move up the kid at the bottom who is actually producing.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
Another think you have to be careful of is making sure the kid can handle the spot they are batting in.

Hitting 3rd or 4th you get pitched around more than if you are hitting 7th or 8th. For our team it's really easy as our first 5 are pretty easy to pick. We sometimes
flop 4 and 5 around or if our second hitter is out just move them all up in the lineup one spot. The real issue is finding the right kids to hit 6-7. They are always up with people on base.
 
May 28, 2013
60
0
Another worry, Is the "Catcher/Pitcher Speed up" I know a pitcher, that is 3.4 to first, and she hits 5th. If the catcher is batting 7 or 8, You need to put some speed between them, in case there is an out. Unless of course, you are blessed with all around speed, and good subs to use off the bench, then that point is not really important.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
We tweak the top of our lineup based on OBP. Need runners on base for you #3, 4, 5 hitters to drive them in.
 
Nov 3, 2012
480
16
Another worry, Is the "Catcher/Pitcher Speed up" I know a pitcher, that is 3.4 to first, and she hits 5th. If the catcher is batting 7 or 8, You need to put some speed between them, in case there is an out. Unless of course, you are blessed with all around speed, and good subs to use off the bench, then that point is not really important.

In most tournaments we play in, you can subsitute run for the catcher and pitcher. Sometimes you have to sub your last out or you can have a designated runner. From my experience, if you get the P or C on base, you're at an advantage as you should be able to substitute with speed.
 
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