1
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Because the first batter will appear at the plate more often than any other
batter, it is a good idea to use someone in this slot who gets on-base a lot.
Also, since this batter will be on-base a lot, it is a good idea to put someone
in this spot who is fast and can steal bases.
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2
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The second batter is many times a second-best first batter. This should be a
batter which can get hits and get on-base a lot. Speed is also a good quality
for this batter.
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3
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The third batter should be someone with power, arguably your most-powerful
batter. The idea is that when the third batter comes up to bat, either the
first or the second batter will be on the bases. This batter will have lots
of RBI, and should also have lots of home runs.
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4
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The fourth batter should also be someone with power. Given that the first and
second batters both get on base a lot, the third and fourth batters should
often be in a position to knock in runs. The fourth batter is sometimes called
the "clean up hitter."
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5
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The fifth batter is generally the third most-powerful batter, and should still
be a pretty decent batter. Speed also helps in this position to steal bases
so that one of the next couple hitters can hit him home.
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6
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The sixth through eighth batters are generally the next most-skilled batter in
the lineup, in order. Many of the players who play in the bottom end of the
lineup here may not even be terribly skilled in hitting, but are in the lineup
solely because of their fielding ability. This is especially true of catchers,
who almost exclusively play in this part of the lineup.
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7
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8
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9
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The ninth batter is generally the pitcher, except when the Designated Hitter is
used and the pitcher does not bat.
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