Fansided · Mar 10, 2018
Phillies using lineup with pitcher batting eighth, could use in regular season
The Phillies continue to try out various lineups in spring training, the latest one featuring the pitcher batting eighth.
With a new, analytically-inclined manager and front office leading the Phillies, they are finally adopting new trends in the game. Batted ball data influences their outfield shifts, and spin rates are influencing how pitchers develop their arsenal.
Another new trend, inspired by Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, is a complete re-invention of how baseball lineups are crafted. For quite a while, lineups had a very specific pattern: put the fastest guys first, follow them up with the power hitters, then end the lineup with your weakest hitters, with your pitcher at the end.