In this article on the evolving role of the #2 hitter, Brad Mills had a telling quote:
"It would be great to have a No. 2 hitter to be able to drive the ball, but you don't want to sacrifice the rest of your lineup. You want to be able to spread those hitters out to give yourself a chance to drive in some runs."
McTaggart, and Berkman:
Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, who hits third in Houston's order, likes the hitter before him to ultimately be able to get on base while working counts and tiring out the pitcher. Berkman said he's read some studies that argue the best hitters on a team should bat second and fourth.
"You need a guy that can give you a tough at-bat, even against a great pitcher," Berkman said. "I don't think your No. 2 guy has to hit with a lot of power, but I do think he has to have a knack for coming up with big hits because I do think you're going to be in a big situation a lot. The most important thing for me is that a No. 2 hitter makes as few outs as possible, which translates into a high on-base percentage."
Jeebus. Who would that be?
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
