Mets @ Cubs

[AUDIT]

I like this lineup as well but I do think McNeil should bat second because he is a better table setter than Marte imo even when both are going well. Yeah Marte has speed but you can use that speed later in the order too. I know they don't want 2 lefties in a row at the top but McNeil has hit lefties well for his career. He's not a liability in that respect.

Two lefties in a row I think is not a problem.
I have always said LIndor should bat 5th.

Protection is a myth and the optimal lineup is one where the players with the better OBP should bat higher in the order. Having said that, I agree that Marte should not necessarily bat #2 simply because he steals bases. But, forgetting about this year for a moment, Marte is the default #2 (or if you like #3) hitter. Last year, Lindor's OBP was lower than Marte's. Nimmo and Alonso had higher OBPs in 2022. Vogelbach led the team with a .393 OBP. In the case of Vogelbach, I would make an exception on the optimal lineup rule.

Anyway, if not Marte, who bats #2 or #3? Do you go with Lindor again?

[metswon69]

Two lefties in a row I think is not a problem.
I have always said LIndor should bat 5th.

Protection is a myth and the optimal lineup is one where the players with the better OBP should bat higher in the order. Having said that, I agree that Marte should not necessarily bat #2 simply because he steals bases. But, forgetting about this year for a moment, Marte is the default #2 (or if you like #3) hitter. Last year, Lindor's OBP was lower than Marte's. Nimmo and Alonso had higher OBPs in 2022. Vogelbach led the team with a .393 OBP. In the case of Vogelbach, I would make an exception on the optimal lineup rule.

Anyway, if not Marte, who bats #2 or #3? Do you go with Lindor again?

I would have McNeil bat 2nd full time. Let Lindor bat 3rd for now as he is more of a run producer and has better pop than anyone in the lineup not named Alonso or Alvarez. Eventually you would like to move Lindor to the 5 hole imo where someone else can bat 3rd. McNeil is not a 3rd hitter. That's traditionally a power spot and in most cases nowadays where your best offensive player bats. There are exceptions to that but most 3rd hitters are at least guys who can crank 30 or more homers. McNeil is not that guy.

[Mrmet1969]

I would have McNeil bat 2nd full time. Let Lindor bat 3rd for now as he is more of a run producer and has better pop than anyone in the lineup not named Alonso or Alvarez. Eventually you would like to move Lindor to the 5 hole imo where someone else can bat 3rd. McNeil is not a 3rd hitter. That's traditionally a power spot and in most cases nowadays where your best offensive player bats. There are exceptions to that but most 3rd hitters are at least guys who can crank 30 or more homers. McNeil is not that guy.

Yeah, the problem is they don't have a true #3 hitter, unless Baty becomes one. How about my same lineup, but just move Marte down to the 9 spot. Putting aside his ego, that's a good spot for him.

Nimmo
McNeil
Alonso
Lindor
Alvarez
Baty
Vientos
Mauricio
Marte

[n8ghee]

Yeah, the problem is they don't have a true #3 hitter, unless Baty becomes one. How about my same lineup, but just move Marte down to the 9 spot. Putting aside his ego, that's a good spot for him.

Nimmo
McNeil
Alonso
Lindor
Alvarez
Baty
Vientos
Mauricio
Marte

The only thing I’d change is I’d put Alvarez in the 4 and Lindor at the 5


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