Troutstanding

Troutstanding, indeed!

Cool idea, I like it.

It is that. It is also to let Ohtani focus solely on pitching on that day.

I think I read once it's ~17

Many teams still bat their best hitter 3rd, you're correct. But the fact that teams still do it that way doesn't mean that it is most optimal. Modern sabermetrics strongly suggest that the most important batting position order is number two followed by number four. Trout, being both a power hitter and an OBP machine, is the ideal fit for the two hole in any batting order on the planet. I actually would be intrigued to see how it went having him bat clean up but I'm hoping to have a full season of him in the two spot.

Nice post but who is this "we" you speak of? I've seen a lot of people who believe Trout impacts the team more batting 2nd than 3rd. I would rather have him bat 2nd, 4th, or 1st before third.

Cozart is a 2 WAR player BEFORE his breakout season last year. This is the type of move we needed.

What time is this gonna be?

Hi Chuck, Don't forget I have a +1. I play on two men's softball teams and one co-ed team. If you would like me to invite them, I will. Just let me know.

I think OP means "Has Sosh ever let a pitcher talk him into letting him stay in the game?"

I love Trout as much as anyone and while he is an excellent defender, his defense has not been consistently top tier and probably never has or will be. I don't want to see Trout in LF but perhaps he would have a better shot at the award there.

Count me in for myself and one guest

2014 was probably the weakest of his career so the choice is an easy one. (of course even his "weakest" season is far better than the best year of most players)

Batting Trout 2nd is not only to get him more AB's, but also because batting him third will bring him to the plate with none on and 2 outs more often than any other spot in the order. A batter with a low OBP but high slugging is suitable to plug here, not Trout. Trout's high OBP, high slugging combo is both rare and ideal for the two-hole, which is the most impactful spot in the order.

Trout should bat 2nd. Whoever the second best batter on the team is should most likely hit fourth. Most likely the player with the highest OBP (aside from Trout) should bat lead off. Pujols should bat third or fifth if he's producing, and lower if he's not.