Having read a few posts, where members have asked about setting their teams' batting order, I thought I would try and help out by giving some advice, based on what I know about baseball. Here's hoping it helps some people figure things out.

As we know, the batting order has 9 positions, and there may be none more important, than the first two spots..The lead-off hitter, and the number two hitter. These positions are commonly referred to, as the table setters.

That is to say, that they are the guys who get the offense started.

While both batters may be similar, they each serve a specific purpose- to get on base, so that the meat of your order can bring them home.

It is always important that these players have these common characteristics, when selecting players:

1. Good batters. Guys who typically hit in the .270- .300 +. So for sportsclix, you would want guys who are strong GB scorcher hitters, and that can attack the gaps, so that they are able to get on base, frequently.

2. Speed. Generally, these are your two fastest players. You want then to be able to stretch hits for extra bases, both when they hit, and when the guys behind them hit, so that they are in a better position to score, with each at bat after theirs.

3. Are better than average base-stealers. You want to be able to take the chance of having a runner move on his own. If your lead-off hitter can hit a 1B, and steal 2nd, when your #2 batter is at the plate, he's put himself in scoring position, with a chance to be driven in in the second AB of the inning. If your second batter does it, the have set the table for the meat of your order, to do what they do best-produce runs.

So what kinds of things should you look for in a lead off hitter?

First off, he should be a combination of the fastest player on your team, as well as one of the better hitters. A guy with 11+ speed, and GB, 1B serves well. These guys may have great power, but that is more of an afterthought, and a bonus. Early on, the following players would make good lead off men: Carl Crawford, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Beltran, and Angel Berroa.

You second hitter, should be similar to your lead off hitter, but be more of a guy who can make good contact with the ball. He's not as fast, but maybe has some FB ability early in the dial and 10-11 speed. Some power is nice, but not required. Good 2-hole hitters are: Derek Jeter, Edgar Renteria, Carlos Beltran.

Typically, 1 & 2 hitters are found among shortstops, left fielders, and center fielders, with occasional second basemen. I'm going off of memory from what my wife and I have in our collection, so I'm sure you can find more players.

Next time, we'll go for the meat of the order, 3-4-5 hitters.

Something of note, that I forgot to include: The greatest lead-off hitter of all-time is Rickey Henderson. He is baseball's all-time leader in steals, lead-off hits, lead-off home runs, lead-off AB, and lead-off RBI. Rickey, in his prime was a 300 hitter who averaged about 20-25 HR/year, 70-90 steals, and more exictement than any player in his era.

That is the kind of player you want starting things for your team. ;)

I haven't checked it out to see who fits this criteria but it seems like someone with Speed Demon+GB Scorchers on some of their early hot clicks would be ideal...

I'm not sure hes playable but Luis Castillo was the first guy who came to mind for me...

Ichiro, and Furcal after his first few clix also i think

don't forget that drawing walks is also a critical element of being a good leadoff man--or a good player, period.

The only thing come to my mind is runner on second with 2 out. :( (Lost 1 Clix sfter third out).

Carl Crawford Baby!!!!


12 speed

"speed Demon" on all hot clicks and even 2 of his cold clicks



A good candidate for a 9 hitter is Coco Crisp also. another guy with 12 speed and the speed demon ability. He is a weaker hitter (but not terrible) so after the first time through, he becomes a "table setter", hopefully getting onbase for the meat of the order.

Darth Sabre,
its obvious you are a yankee's fan!

but come on,
Juan Pierre is the best lead off in the game atm.

look what he did to you guys during the world series!
tore it up!

-jk

:p

LOL!

Actually, I found out his value after I played aginst him. If my wife didn't already have him on her team, he would be leading off on mine! :)

I cursed him (Pierre) many,many times during last years National League Championships.
Almost in tears I was.

Now he's my lead off batter in this clicky game.

Its karma I suppose!

I would like to curse Pierre too. Just because he doesn't deserve a ring. I love Preston Wilson, but the fact that a good average Rockie in Pierre leaves Denver and gets a ring, just gets to me. Just like all the Rangers fans, Pudge is there forever and leaves. Boom! Champion! However, I would never curse my SC Pierre since he has been my key lead off hitter.

I was thinking something like this

Juan Pierre, 12 speed,Speed demon Great for bunting on catchers.
Luis Castllo, 12 speed
JT Snow, Spray Hitter better chance of getting a hit.
Vlad, Clean up. Powerhitter

Oppps The catcher use fielding check to beat 10 .Not throwing check :(

Here's the 1-2-3 of my lineup:

1. Juan Pierre
2. Edgar Renteria
3. Vlad

Juan really has yet to shine for me, but I think that's because my opponent's know to pitch against the Control roll for him. If he gets on base, he's stealing...oh yeah.

My starting 4 is:

Damon
Vidro
Vlad
Giambi

They have worked ok so far. I have played 5 games and lost them all, and have only scored a total of 2 runs but these guys are working for me.

I am considering replacing Damon any suggestions, he is one of the guys not really producing. I am thinking Shannon Stewart because he has Spray hitter intagible.

Krippler