Houston Astros Lineup: Does George Springer in the Two-Hole Make Sense?

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Conclusion

Jul 12, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder George Springer (4) knocks Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) off the bag during the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

George Springer appeared to be more comfortable batting second and sixth. Maybe he feels too much pressure when batting in the middle of the lineup. Springer’s approach could be different if he is just trying to get on base, versus having to drive in runs. When he looked for contact last year, versus trying to crush the ball, he was more successful.

Does where he hits affect his strikeout percentages?

Batting second: 36/98 – 36%

Batting third: 42/106 – 40%

Batting fourth: 20/55 – 36%

Batting sixth: 16/36 – 44%

As we can see, Springer will strikeout a lot, no matter where he is batting. But if he shoots for making contact on a more consistent basis, he will eventually lower those percentages. I am for Springer batting second, being that we have some other hitters who can hit three through five. We want Springer to be comfortable, and the numbers say he likes hitting second. Eventually he should be the third hitter for the Astros when the time comes.

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