P batting 8th?

[PokeyReesePOTUS]

Then why not just slot that guy in at the top of the order and slide everyone down a spot? It's doing exactly the same thing, only:

a) you get to put this plan into attack straight away in the first inning
b) this part of the order will theoretically have more times at the plate over the course of the season (and mathemtically, in one game)

Because it makes no sense to give the worst hitter on the team (sans the pitcher) up to 162 plate appearances more than he would get batting 9th over the course of the season.

that only comes into play if the #8 hitter ends every single game.

how many games a year do you think #8 hitters end the game?

further, how many of those games in which a #8 hitter ends the game are "on the line" when he's up to bat?

even then, you can pinch hit them.

be logical. the "Extra plate appearances" will almost never come into play as being relevant.

[dryice]

correct answer: this is larussa..
why answer is correct
would micromanage a turd comin out of a bear's ars
bear's gonna end up wonderin what the heck happened to his turd.
fan's gonna end up wonderin what the heck happened to his stud.

[Noggy]

that only comes into play if the #8 hitter ends every single game.

how many games a year do you think #8 hitters end the game?

further, how many of those games in which a #8 hitter ends the game are "on the line" when he's up to bat?

even then, you can pinch hit them.

be logical. the "Extra plate appearances" will almost never come into play as being relevant.

I think you're a bit confused. What you're talking about is hitting 8th vs hitting 9th, but the dialog you quoted was about hitting 1st vs hitting 9th.