So, Which Lineup is Best?
I don’t necessarily think there is a wrong answer here. All of these lineups are great. However, there is a right lineup and a lineup that is the one that’s balanced the best.
I feel that the lineup which features Andrew Benintendi second and Xander Bogaerts sixth is the most balanced. Having a guy like Bogaerts down in the bottom half of the order doesn’t allow the pitcher to catch a break. He can serve as somewhat of a table setter for the bottom half, and set up guys like Bradley and Sandoval to drive him in.
Additionally, the righty-lefty split is very even and gives the pitcher a new look almost every time a new hitter steps to the plate.
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Let me know what you think the best lineup for the Red Sox would be. If I left one out, comment below and let me know why. Unfortunately, we don’t have John Farrell’s role of arranging this juggernaut offense, but we are all entitled to our own opinions.