Gm 36 - vs ORU

[SB Shock]

The Shockers (17-18) break their losing streak and have a offensive breakthrough will now come home (to maybe snow?) to face ORU. Will this be the turning point where the put together another run, this time a winning streak? We shall wait and see.

[shocks02]

4-0 Shox. Who is this team?

[SB Shock]

Shox win 6-5!

[tru2thaduce]

I like what they did with he lineup tonight moving Casey to cleanup and Kihle lead off.Of course of Kihle gets 4 hits every game in the lead off spot it's going to help.

[Cdizzle]

Starting to get excited about Kihle. The sample size isn't great, but it isn't tiny any more either. He looks like a guy that could be great in the 2-hole, hitting for average with some doubles power. Hopefully with some experience he could cut down on the strikeouts a bit.

[1972Shocker]

Starting to get excited about Kihle. The sample size isn't great, but it isn't tiny any more either. He looks like a guy that could be great in the 2-hole, hitting for average with some doubles power. Hopefully with some experience he could cut down on the strikeouts a bit.

If I understood HCTB correctly it may be a little while before they can play him on back-to-back days because he still has some pain and inflammation in his wrist. Glad we only had 1 mid-week game this week. We will see how it goes for Daniel this weekend.

[asiseeit]

DK not suited for the two hole IMHO because of strikeout ratio. You usually want a
contact hitter for hit and runs in the two hole. DK doesn't get cheated on his swings
but has good pop in his bat. Potential three and/or five hole....also six because of speed.

[Shocker85]

DK not suited for the two hole IMHO because of strikeout ratio. You usually want a
contact hitter for hit and runs in the two hole. DK doesn't get cheated on his swings
but has good pop in his bat. Potential three and/or five hole....also six because of speed.

Please name a player on the current roster not prone to strikeouts except Casey. You need guys at the top of the order who can get on base. Look at Kihle OBP then get back to us on putting Kihle at 1 or 2.

Not a lot of options on this roster.

[Cdizzle]

Please name a player on the current roster not prone to strikeouts except Casey. You need guys at the top of the order who can get on base. Look at Kihle OBP then get back to us on putting Kihle at 1 or 2.

Not a lot of options on this roster.

Yep. I agree with @asiseeit: in principle, but at the end of the day we need a guy that can run, get on base, and get hits. Kihle fits that bill about the best of anyone right now. If Bayliff rounds into last year's form to end the season, then he'd be my pick.

[asiseeit]

I am fine with him in the one hole - just not a prototype two hole guy. If he hits north
of .320 then three or five hole with his pop.

[SB Shock]

'85 is right - you have to go with your best OBP up front in your lineup.

Old School says:

1. Speed is best
2. Bat control, a bunter, somebody who move the runner
3. High Average hitter
4. Big Power Bat
5. 2nd Best Big Power Bat
6. 6th Best hitter
7. 7th best hitter
8. 2nd worst hitter
9. worst hitter

But this lineup cost you runs. No. 1 hitter is going to get 19% more AB's than #9, your #2 is getting 10% more than the #6 - so who do you want in #1 and #2? You want guys who can get on base, and you want them guys to have the most PA.

The book "Playing the Percentages in Baseball" showed the following is the optimum lineup

1. OBP is king, likely one of your best 3 hitters
2. 2nd best hitter with high OBP
3. Nest best hitter after #5 slot filled
4. Best hitter with power. statistically this position comes to bat more than other position with runner on.
5. Best hitter after #1, #2, and #4 slots are filled
6. Best SB guy who doesn't fit spots 1-5, put a contact guy if possible in #7
7. #7 best hitter
8. #9 best hitter
9. #8 best hitter or highest OBP guy between 7-9, note if #9 is your pitcher, you will pinch hit for him a lot and PH will likely better than #8 best hitter. Of course with the Shocker we are talking DH, but there is value of "second leadoff hitter batting in 9 spot.

Markov optimum lineup is:

1. OBP is most important, SB potential is irrelevant
2. 2nd best OBP, should have some power
3. Should have high OBP, fair power and doesn't strikeout
4. Highest SLG (not necessarily best HR hitter) with good OBP
5. Good power, also puts ball in play
6. guy who doesn't fit 1-5, SB potential a plus
7. Best OBP of 7,8,9
8. Player doesn't fit the rul at 7 or 9
9. Best player of 8,9 who puts the ball in play


The common denominator is your #1 and #2 slots are you most important position for scoring runs and therefore have to be your best OBP (and ususally your top 2 best hitter).