Toronto Blue Jays: Picking the Optimal Batting Order
By Vinnie
3. Jose Bautista
This is where I think Gibbons has over-managed himself. While it was a great idea to move Bautista to leadoff at the start of the season upon his own suggestion, the one and two slots should be securely held by Travis and Donaldson.
The six-time All-Star should then slide right back into the three slot rather than cleanup, where he has been for several games now.
Encarnacion currently occupies the three slot but Bautista, although struggling overall on the season, is a higher OBP guy in general and is much faster on the base paths. He walks so much that you absolutely want Encarnacion coming up after him, because he is always looking to hit the ball long and hard, hence driving in his teammate.
The right fielder has played better as of late and we all know he has power, but it’s the OBP and speed that basically makes him more suitable at the three slot. Bautista has hit in the three slot in front of Encarnacion for years and for those exact reasons.
That shouldn’t change now with the post-season approaching. They will need Mr. Bat-Flip hitting for extra bases and taking plenty of walks if they want to win it all, so keep him in the three slot already.
Next: Batting fourth