February 23, 2011

Top of Texas

Ron Washington decided to keep his lineup changes close to the vest, but Evan Grant speculates that Ian Kinsler might move into the lead-off spot. The Lineup Analysis tool likes that move, as it sees Elvis Andrus as a second lead-off man at the bottom of the order. Using Marcel projections for 2011, the tool shows Kinsler and Mitch Moreland interchangeable. I put in a likely lineup based on how Ron Washington used his players in 2010, and that one is very close to the optimum order, off just 0.14 runs. The Rangers offense is talented enough that the difference between the best and worst lineups is just 0.32 runs. Washington has the luxury of not having to think that much about his lineup, any standard order that pleases the players will do just fine.

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