Jays' Jose Bautista will bat in the lead-off spot for first time since 2010 ... 1. Jose Bautista (R) RF 2. Josh Donaldson (R) 3B 3. Edwin Encarnacion (R) DH 4. Justin Smoak (S) 1B 5. Michael Saunders (L) LF 6. Troy Tulowitzki (R) SS 7. Jimmy Paredes (S) 2B 8. Russell Martin (R) C 9. Kevin Pillar (R) CF
Apparently they are hoping that more at-bats by stars = more success. Because really the leadoff strategy is all about striking a quick run or two in the 1st inning. If not for that then it would make sense to have the best hitters go first. There is probably tons of data out there though on how the extra runs accumulated in the 1st would trump extra at-bats by your better bats.
Jose mashes there too...he's hitting .362 with 11 homers and 17 RBIs in 69 at-bats over 17 career games in Minny. They need to try something new and generate some offense. Already down 1-0 in Minny.
Blue Jays 2016 Season: First 42 Games: 19-23 record with 168 runs scored Last 28 Games: 20-8 record with 161 runs scored
No pitcher in the history of baseball has picthed 11 consecutive games, pitched at least 6 innings in each start and didn't give up more than 5 hits per start. Except for? Marco Estrada
