Musings on Diamondbacks’ Batting Order
As I’ve watched the Arizona Diamondbacks play since the start of the season, I’ve been extremely impressed. They are definitely for real in the National League. While it may be early in the season, the team’s stats are superb. Entering the day, the Diamondbacks were baseball’s leader in both runs and least earned runs allowed. That’s a remarkable stat – even with the season in its infancy.
However, I do have a lingering questions regarding Arizona’s batting order. The Diamondbacks top their order with Chris Young, Eric Byrnes and Orlando Hudson. While that is an impressive trio of players, I don’t see the logic in this batting order. Young is fast and has shown a good eye at the plate this season, but the rest of his talents point towards a middle of the lineup type player. Hudson, on the other hand, seems more built to bat second in the order with his high OBP and average power.
To best make use of the talent on the Diamondbacks, it makes most sense to me for Arizona to lead off with the speedy Byrnes, use Hudson as the second batter and move Young to bat third. Additionally, with the way Justin Upton has been mashing this season, it may be time to start thinking about moving him higher in the batting order.
While there is much to be excited about in Arizona, it appears to me that things could be even brighter for the Diamondbacks.
Do you agree? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Tags: 2008 diamondbacks, arizona diamondbacks, baseball, batting order, chris young, eric byrnes, justin upton, mlb, orlando hudsonRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Odds and Ends, Stats and Analysis, Strategy
1 opinion for Musings on Diamondbacks’ Batting Order
Peter
Apr 24, 2008 at 10:06 am
Hi Stephen,
I’d have to agree, especially given Young’s low BA. The order should look more like
Byrnes
Hudson
Young
Jackdon
Upton
Reynolds
Drew
Snyder
or Snyder 7th & Drew 8th it’s not much of a difference to me at that point.
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