Making Trout the Leadoff Batter

[Guest]

Trout should be batting leadoff.

How many times have we seen him draw a walk only for Pujols to GIDP or pop up?

At leadoff, Trout will have a greater opportunity to score more runs.

Working a pitcher early on and forcing him to throw his best stuff at the leadoff hitter gives the #2 batter an even better chance of getting on base.

The Angels lineup can get a huge boost from Trout batting first and Kole batting second.

Nothing beats a 1-2 Trout, Calhoun punch.

[red321]

I thought we had a 3 month reprieve on sick lineups

[Troutstanding]

I'm not sure what crazy circumstances would have to be in place for me to feel that batting a .590 slugger lead off is the best idea. 

[Homebrewer]

All we need is a power hitting LF, who can lead off, steal a few bags, and also come in to relieve in the middle innings a few times a week. 

[Tyler]

No

[Broad Street]

Why not? This offense was electric with Trout leading off. I can spare 10 home runs for better run production. Plus, just cuz he leads off doesn't mean he's going to be hitting a ton of solo shots... SLG% isn't all about homers...

[Ohtaniland]

But he could lead the ML's in solo home runs.

[halomatt]

It has been well established that the best hitter statistically should be hitting second. A slight statistical edge? Sure. But as you can certainly see, that slight edge may have made the difference.

[VariousCrap]

I think the Angels need to work on developing Johnny G into a lead off hitter.  Johnny batted .272 AVG this season with a .318 OBP.  I believe this can be improved upon.  I think if the Angels and Johnny work at it, he could become a .280 AVG/.350 OBP type of hitter, which would be perfect for the team.

Edited October 7, 2015 by VariousCrap

[rick99gtp]

So, Trout gets on base, Calhoun strikes out, and Pujols pops it up.  Your argument doesn't make any sense.

 

Your leadoff hitter needs to be quick, high contact and be able to work a count (supposedly so that everyone else in the lineup can see what the pitcher's got).  Your 2-4 hitters are your best hitters.  Your 3rd hitter is your best overall hitter.  That's Mike Trout.

[red321]

Trout is the most productive hitter in the lineup, and arguably in the AL. You want to put him in a position to bat with more runners on base, not less. The issue isn't Trout hitting 3rd, the issue is the guys batting in front of Trout.

[UndertheHalo]

oh good, more solo homeruns.

[DoubleOffTheWall]

trout at lead off was more fun. i mean, if we're going to keep missing the playoffs, we might as well have more fun during the regular season, which trout at lead off better helps ensure. 

[Guest]

And what are your arguments against Trout batting 2nd? Shouldn't the best pure hitter bat second? 

[nikkachez]

I want him hitting second (depending on the construction of the lineup). Just no one consistent to hit ahead of him or behind him. Span, Trout, Calhoun, Pujols?

[Ohtaniland]

I want Trout to get more than 88 at bats with RISP. Get some OBP guys at 1-2-3 and let Trout hit cleanup. 130rbi's guaranteed.

[stormngt]

Didn't he lead the league in solo hrs this year? Why not have him lead off? He can't come up with less men on base than he did this year?

But he could lead the ML's in solo home runs.

[rick99gtp]

The best hitter in a batting lineup bats THIRD.  It has nothing to do with the number of solo homeruns.  What are you talking about?

[Brent Maguire]

The team needs to find a legit OBP bat to plug in at the leadoff spot this offseason. I'd rather have Trout bat 2nd but Scioscia seems intent on batting him 3rd. 

 

Heyward/Span

Calhoun

Trout 

 

That would be a very lethal top of the order. 

[VariousCrap]

If the Angels get Heyward, I think Sosh would put him at #2 in the line-up with Trout at #3.  Heyward has a good ability to get on base and he has good speed (20+ stolen bases).

Edited October 7, 2015 by VariousCrap

[Troll Daddy]

Will have to see how the roster looks after SP before you can form a opinion on the lineup.

[Guest]

Trout had his best season when he batted leadoff. I certainly like the 2012 version of Mike Trout.

 

I don't mind disagreement, but some of you are just completely hostile to the idea of Trout batting 1st despite his success at that spot. 

 

Maybe he shouldn't bat leadoff–but he definitely shouldn't be batting 3rd as it does a great disservice to what he offers. Perhaps batting second is more reasonable, and I'm fine with that too. 

Edited October 7, 2015 by failos

[Angel Oracle]

Agree that we need to wait until ST to know more.

If they can add another slugger to pair off with Pujols, then I could see Trout leading off.

If they add Heyward, have him leadoff and keep Trout in the MOTO. 

[Homebrewer]

Like Rickey said

"Rickey knows this, and Rickey is tellin you this now... there ain't never going to be another Rickey" 

Edited October 7, 2015 by Homebrewer

[Hubs]

Heyward is a pipe dream. So is anyone who will require a first round pick in compensation. 

 

Trout should bat 2nd or 3rd based on who they acquire for left field and second base plus other positions.

 

I think they need a leadoff hitter and to split up Pujols and Trout with a lefty power bat preferably.

 

Calhoun could hit after Trout, or after Pujols. 

 

It all depends on who they get in FA or via trade.