• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
30 in 30: Chicago Cubs

Leadoff Man Kris Bryant? Why Baseball Must Finally Eradicate Old Fashioned Lineup Construction Theory

February 21, 2020

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Nico Collins

April 17, 2021
Packers 2021 Mock Draft – Part 1

Packers 2021 Mock Draft – Part 1

April 17, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Washington Football Team: What’s in a Name? Apparently a Lot

Washington Football Team: What’s in a Name? Apparently a Lot

April 17, 2021
Giants Six-Round Mock Draft 1.0

Giants Six-Round Mock Draft 1.0

April 17, 2021
Adam Lowry “Thrilled” To Remain With Winnipeg Through 2026

Wade Allison Fits Right In With The Flyers In His NHL Debut

April 16, 2021
Adam Lowry “Thrilled” To Remain With Winnipeg Through 2026

Adam Lowry “Thrilled” To Remain With Winnipeg Through 2026

April 16, 2021

Jacksonville Jaguars on the Prowl for Safeties

April 16, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Aaron Robinson

April 16, 2021
Moving The Pitcher’s Mound Could Have Catastrophic Results

Moving The Pitcher’s Mound Could Have Catastrophic Results

April 16, 2021
Broncos’ Collier: Why Randy Gradishar’s Career Deserves Canton’s Attention 

Broncos’ Collier: Why Randy Gradishar’s Career Deserves Canton’s Attention 

April 16, 2021
2021 Dolphins Draft Prospect: Tight end Kyle Pitts

2021 Dolphins Draft Prospect: Tight end Kyle Pitts

April 15, 2021
Chicago Bears Draft Profile: Cornerback Caleb Farley

Chicago Bears Draft Profile: Cornerback Caleb Farley

April 15, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Saturday, April 17, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home MLB National League NL Central Chicago Cubs

Leadoff Man Kris Bryant? Why Baseball Must Finally Eradicate Old Fashioned Lineup Construction Theory

Sam Turner by Sam Turner
February 21, 2020
in Chicago Cubs, MLB, MLB Featured
Reading Time: 5min read
0
30 in 30: Chicago Cubs
1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

As is often the case with Spring Training, news and rumors trickle out of team camps at the dawn of the upcoming baseball season. A fascinating revelation out of Arizona on Wednesday indicated that new Cubs manager David Ross intended to commit to 2016 NL MVP Kris Bryant as the club’s leadoff hitter, at least to start the season.

To place a lineup’s most feared slugger in the first spot in the order certainly, at the very least, goes against the grain of an old-fashioned baseball mindset.

More FromFPC

Moving The Pitcher’s Mound Could Have Catastrophic Results

Moving The Pitcher’s Mound Could Have Catastrophic Results

April 16, 2021

Blue Jays Bring Out the Bats in 15-1 Thrashing of Angels

April 11, 2021

AL Notes: Early Injuries Hit Contenders, Yanks Trade For Odor

April 7, 2021

Francisco Lindor’s Mets Opener Delayed

April 1, 2021

Historically, a hypothetically ideal Major League lineup would look something like this:

  1. Speed-man, capable of bunting, contact hitter – usually at the expense of on-base-percentage and slugging. Oftentimes a centerfielder with a skillset similar to that of the Cubs’ Albert Almora Jr. More on that later.
  2. One of the lineup’s best hitters – but usually not the best. Capable of getting on base with the idea of getting driven in by the following hitters. Derek Jeter would be a perfect example.
  3. A lineup’s premier bat would most likely be found in the three-hole. Power, “RBI ability”, etc. Think Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, and Miguel Cabrera, who have each occupied this niche for much of their careers, especially during their heydays.
  4. The cleanup role. Baseball analysts would refer to this player as one who “has a knack for driving in runs”; whatever that means. Powerful bat, capable of mashing homers, but not the best all-around hitter in the order. Think of someone like Mike Napoli, who exemplifies the first-baseman/DH type.
  5. Very similar to the cleanup hitter. Almost the same, in fact.
  6. The six-hole is one of the weirder spots in a lineup, as struggling hitters who usually are slated to occupy the upper part of the lineup can be sent to the purgatory of the sixth-spot in order to take some pressure off of the player and help them find their groove.
  7. Can be used in a manner alike to that of the sixth spot, but can also be an awkward place to stash a younger or weaker hitter.
  8. The eighth-spot is one of the most difficult roles to fill in a lineup, because opposing pitchers always have the option of pitching around this player in order to instead face the pitcher on deck. Usually reserved for the “worst” hitter in the order.
  9. Conventional wisdom would leave the last spot in the lineup for the pitcher, without a doubt.

This hypothetical lineup is a generalization of what baseball managers historically would aim for, but it is fairly accurate in terms of what teams actually trotted out onto the field for much of baseball’s history. These outdated ideas were evident far too often in Joe Maddon’s lineup decisions during his time as manager of the Cubs, as light-hitting Albert Almora was given the nod as the team’s leadoff hitter for various stretches of the last few seasons. The team has not had the luxury of an everyday set-in-stone leadoff man since the departure of Dexter Fowler after the Cubs’ World Series championship in 2016, and has been searching for answers ever since.

Maddon’s stubborn mindset and refusal to give up on Albert Almora as a leadoff option was simply unacceptable in the climate of today’s game. The Cubs were a team with playoff expectations, which were not lived up to in 2019 in large part due to Maddon’s ineffective lineups. The Cubs’ .294 on-base percentage and 77 wRC+ from the first spot in the lineup were the worst marks of any Major League club.

Yet, the surprising truth of this matter was that Maddon also formulated some excellent lineup theories as well. Kris Bryant has hit second in the order regularly, as the trend of Major League teams slotting their best hitter second became more popular. Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Aaron Judge are a few of the superstars who have predominantly occupied the two-hole in recent seasons.

Maddon also looked to Anthony Rizzo as his leadoff bat during stretches of time that the team struggled and craved a spark. Maddon was absolutely on the right track with this thought process; the problem was that he did not fully commit to it. Maddon viewed Rizzo (and occasionally Bryant) as temporary stopgaps to shoot their team in the arm with a boost of energy when they needed it most. The goal was for these star players to push the Cubs in the right direction, after which time they would move back down the lineup.

This is where Maddon’s methodology was fundamentally flawed. Rizzo and Bryant as leadoff men should not have been considered a fad; on the contrary, Maddon should have identified that this format had to become the new norm.

Signs of sluggers residing at the very top of lineups can be found across all of baseball, as the aforementioned studs who bat second are not the only examples. Young star Ronald Acuña Jr. has cemented himself as the Braves’ leadoff hitter, and has posted a .945 OPS and 53 homers in this role since his career began in 2018. Francisco Lindor, who is arguably the best shortstop in the game, has flourished as the Indians’ leadoff man as well with an .870 OPS and 89 homers in the top spot since 2015. Some other examples exist throughout baseball, including George Springer – despite the Astros’ cheating scandal.

This all boils down to the central philosophy of the Moneyball Theory, which essentially hypothesises that the sole strategy of every MLB team must be to get as many men on base as possible, which is statistically proven to result in a higher output of runs. If a club’s leadoff hitter has power, that would be a bonus – all that matters is that this player must have the best on base skills of anyone on the club. 

This is where Kris Bryant and the Cubs’ situation comes into focus. Bryant is the team’s most proficient on-base man, as his career .385 OBP suggests. Anthony Rizzo is not far behind, as his career mark stands at .373 – and topped out at .405 last season. It quite frankly does not make a difference which of Bryant or Rizzo are leading off, but it absolutely must be one of the two, with the other batting right behind him in the second spot. By all indications, employing this formula is exactly what the Cubs plan on doing in 2020. Albert Almora’s .323 OBP and .709 OPS in his career as a leadoff hitter simply will not be permissible in the future.

It is clear as day, and just plain common sense, that a team’s premier bats should be the first that an opposing pitcher faces. Basic statistics state that the top of a lineup is more likely to receive more plate appearances than the lower parts of the order.

The burning question for the Cubs and new manager David Ross (which they seem to have already answered) is if they wish to award these extra at bats to a three time all-star and former MVP, or to a below average platoon player with a career OPS+ of 85.

Tags: cubsdavid rosskris bryantleadoff
Share612Tweet383
Previous Post

Could Dez Bryant Join The Kansas City Chiefs?

Next Post

Wrestling Roundup: February 22, 2020

Sam Turner

Sam Turner

Next Post
Wrestling Roundup: February 22, 2020

Wrestling Roundup: February 22, 2020

XFL Week 2 Power Rankings

XFL Week 2 Power Rankings

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 41 - Michael Jordan to Induct Kobe into HOF
    by Full Press Coverage on April 17, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44363965/the_pick_4_17.mp3
  • Ep 59: 2000 Royal Rumble Review
    by Full Press Coverage on April 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2461731202.mp3?updated=1618603339
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 40 - Celtics and Lakers Recap
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 8:17 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44363920/the_pick_4_16.mp3
  • Ep. 195 - You're FIRED!
    by Talkamania on April 16, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44362709/talkamania_episode_195.mp3
  • Ep. 235: Frustrations Needing Solutions
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6476085701.mp3?updated=1618530039
  • Ep #101: Chiefs Draft Deep Dive: EDGE Defenders
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8313092791.mp3
  • Ep.92: The Money Weeks
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 5:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4672305224.mp3?updated=1618545913
  • 4/15 - Jackie Robinson and April 15th Events in History
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9915134619.mp3?updated=1618530891
  • 4/13 - Julian Edelman Announces Retirement; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3225073047.mp3?updated=1618530847
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 39 - Another Day, Another Kevin Durant Feud
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 6:45 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44340024/pick_4_16.mp3

  • 4/15 - Jackie Robinson and April 15th Events in History
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352891/adv1580103741.mp3
  • 4/13 - Julian Edelman Announces Retirement; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352890/adv8133226208.mp3
  • 4/12 - Weekend Wrap, Vaccine Recap, Ed O'Neal, NHL Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44303436/adv5842490920.mp3
  • 4/9 - Wrestlemania, 2024 Glendon/D'Abate Ticket, and Julian Edelman
    by Full Press Coverage on April 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44272056/adv5505172386.mp3
  • 4/8 - More Cowbell, Sports Movies, Space Adventures, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44258247/adv6567559796.mp3
  • 4/7 - Documentaries, Aaron Rodgers, and More With John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on April 7, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44242041/adv1869381289.mp3
  • 4/6 - Baylor Beats Gonzaga, Vaccines and Gil Hill, Sam Darnold To Panthers
    by Full Press Coverage on April 6, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44221388/adv9103610065.mp3
  • 4/5 - Married With Children, Vaccines, Red Sox, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 5, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44211047/adv7870235805.mp3
  • 3/30 - John Sapochetti Joins The Show
    by Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44133895/adv6448062767.mp3
  • 3/29 - Dolphins/49ers Trade; Jimmy G's Future; Cam and The Patriots
    by Full Press Coverage on March 29, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44099239/adv6405979487.mp3

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night Two
    by Evan Gomes on April 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    37 Thoughts About Wrestlemania 37 Night Two 1. No rain delays on our Wrestlemania Sunday. It was a […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions After an exciting Night One, we’ve still got another round […]

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 3:45 am

    37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One The weather at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa had the […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions The Showcase of The Immortals is here! Wrestlemania 37 is […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 58: Beth Phoenix
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Jeremy Swayman’s Star Turn For Bruins Giving Michaud ‘Proud Uncle Moment’
    by Matt Kalman on April 17, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    In the aftermath of his first NHL shutout Friday night, Jeremy Swayman was asked about the […]

  • KHL Gagarin Cup Final Is Here
    by Aivis Kalnins on April 17, 2021 at 5:21 pm

    It's time! The Gagarin Cup Final between CSKA Moscow and Avangard Omsk is here. Only the best team […]

  • Vasili Podkolzin Tops The Canucks Top Ten List
    by Russ Cohen on April 17, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    Vancouver must look to the next group of stars to get back to the Stanley Cup. Here are the Top 10 […]

  • Wade Allison Fits Right In With The Flyers In His NHL Debut
    by Carol Schram on April 17, 2021 at 1:31 am

    With an opportunity to make a good impression on his bosses, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Wade […]

  • Adam Lowry “Thrilled” To Remain With Winnipeg Through 2026
    by Carter Brooks on April 16, 2021 at 10:46 pm

    The Winnipeg Jets have locked up centreman Adam Lowry for the next five seasons. The post Adam […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/31287822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-12%2Ff58714b8-6022-3934-eaa5-6290cfb68d8c.mp3
  • Ep 58: Chris' Trip To TD Garden, Bruins Trade Target Goes Elsewhere, Injuries, and the Capitals
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss Blackey's return to the Garden, the Islanders trade […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30997504/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-8%2Ff5ad8b3a-4858-ae42-2228-24fde2fee0c2.mp3
  • Ep 57: Trade Deadline Talk w/ Mike Cratty
    by Full Press Coverage on April 1, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    Mike Cratty joins Ian and Chris to discuss the Bruins win over the Devils, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30509893/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-1%2Feda15c50-e46c-8460-b62e-0f602613cda3.mp3
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage