Astros Dusty Baker’s Needed New Year’s Resolution List

Batting Order

Instead of the Baker roulette lineup he likes to play throughout the season, let the best hitters get more at-bats. Top loading the lineup with good contact, high average hitters is ideal so the power in the middle has runners to drive home.

Although Michael Brantley had a low-power production year, he hit for high average and should definitely stay in the two-hole.

Three-through-six is where the controversy lies and frankly it should be Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Carlos Correa (hopefully) and Yuli Gurriel. Until Alex Bregman regains his 30 home run and upper .200 average form, he should not be hitting third.

Based upon his last year he should be in the seven-hole after Gurriel. People might decry the move but if you have the batting champ batting seventh and no one to drive him in hitting after him you waste valuable runners on base.

If a player is struggling move them down in the lineup, like Bregman this year. Making a smarter hitting lineup should be a resolution for Baker for 2022.