Speed Bunting Stealing bases Gets to base often Makes regular contact with the ball Rarely strikes out
Sacrifice bunts Hit-and-runs Getting on base
Be comfortable hitting all sorts of pitches. Have a high rate of runs batted in (RBI). Be able to hit home runs and doubles occasionally, if not often. Have a high batting average.
Because the #3 hitter is likely to come up to bat more often in one game than #4 and #5 will, the traditional logic holds that you are better off filling that position with the power-hitter who has the highest batting average. However, even though #4 and #5 may have fewer opportunities to bat in one game, they are more likely to do so with more than one base loaded. Because of this, some people believe that the smarter move is to reserve the more consistent hitter for the fourth or fifth hole.
Traditionally, #6 through 9 is usually determined by the remaining players’ respective talent and placing them in descending order, with your worst hitter going last.
If your sixth and seventh best players are pretty close in performance levels, base your decision on who is better at stealing bases. [11] X Research source Filling the #6 spot with a strong base-stealer will increase your chances of driving this baserunner closer and closer to home, even if #7, #8, and #9 can only hit singles.
If you have a strong team who can reach the bottom of the lineup with only one out, perhaps stick to the traditional method of placing your worst hitter last. This way, if they strike out, they will be immediately followed by one of your best players. If you expect to have two or more outs well before that, think of your eighth and ninth hitter in terms of your first and second. Since they may likely be starting the rotation next inning, pick who goes first according the same criteria that you used to pick your lead-off.
If you have a fairly even number of left- and right-handed batters, alternate between the two to pose a constant challenge. [13] X Research source If their pitcher is left-handed, reevaluate each batter’s performance against such pitchers. Review each batter’s past performances against individual pitchers. For example, if your sixth-best batter overall happens to fare better against one pitcher, consider bumping them up.
