How much time do you invest?

[kev921]

Since batting orders change frequently (on some teams), how much time should one spend in researching who will bat in which order (without wasting valueable time)?

[SouthBronxBombers]

To me it does not matter than much. The only thing it really affects is SB for someone who gets moved out of the leadoff spot to hit a little lower. If someone gets dropped to the 9 hole, then it is probably somebody just filling out your team anyway, so not that big a deal.

[agchris02]

i completely disagree -- batting order matters a TON, dropping from 3rd to 5th might not be a big deal, but chone figgins dropping from 2nd to 9th is a HUGE deal, typically thats 1ab every other game -- thats 80abs or so a year -- in a pts league, with chone projected around 2.1 pts/ab thats over 160 pts -- HUGE

minor fluctuations in the order, dont matter, but you have to pay attention

[Cooner]

i completely disagree -- batting order matters a TON, dropping from 3rd to 5th might not be a big deal, but chone figgins dropping from 2nd to 9th is a HUGE deal, typically thats 1ab every other game -- thats 80abs or so a year -- in a pts league, with chone projected around 2.1 pts/ab thats over 160 pts -- HUGE

minor fluctuations in the order, dont matter, but you have to pay attention

yep.

I keep an ear to the ground, and watch out for a couple key guys/positions that should make a big difference. Positions like Seattle's Reed/Winn, where whoever bats 2 may end up with 10 more RBIs and 25 more runs. Or guys like Figgins in the situation above. Even changes from 3rd to 5th can make a serious difference on some teams- the key being some teams.

[Aggie_Eric98]

chris is right. If you are counting on a player batting in the 2 hole this year, and he ends up spending most of his time in the 6 or 7 spot you will hurt be hurt.

First off his On-Base % will fall as the 6th hole isn't looking to draw walks and slap balls through the infield as much as driving in runs. The 6th hole will get more RBI's, but if you are fine in RBI's it won't help you that much.