Milwaukee Brewers: Building A Better Batting Order

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Oct 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Domingo Santana (16) watches his ball on a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Sabermetric studies promote avoiding outs at key positions in the lineup. According to research the #4 hitter ranks second in terms of on base importance. Who is the best fit for the Brewers?

If Craig Counsell were to fill out his lineup with sabermetrics in mind, he would have already filled in Jonathan Villar, Ryan Braun and Chris Carter.

The decision of who to bat 4th becomes more tricky for the young manager.

Derek Reifer’s article suggests batting a player who combines high OBP with run producing ability. While Ryan Braun’s name first comes to mind, his services are already employed at #2.

Instead, outfielder Domingo Santana is the man for the job. With a strong return from injury, Santana showed off his impressive power while maintaining a decent OBP.

This leaves Counsell to choose from candidates Hernan Perez, Keon Broxton, Scooter Gennett and Domingo Santana.

During an injury filled moment of the season, the Brewers incorrectly chose Scooter Gennett as the cleanup hitter.

The decision to put Gennett in an important run producing slot was puzzling. Despite the void left by trading Jonathan Lucroy there is little excuse for the 2nd baseman batting 4th.

Instead, outfielder Domingo Santana is the man for the job. With a strong return from injury, Santana showed off his impressive power while maintaining a decent OBP.

This is exactly what the team needs. While not known as a patient hitter, Santana has good enough speed to get on base steadily.

He also has a power stroke that competes with Carter. Although no one expects a 40 home run season from him. Santana can hit the ball out of the ballpark.

Late season home run’s against St. Louis and Chicago were evidence as to why the team was excited about his acquisition.

One could make an argument for Hernan Perez as the cleanup hitter but his surpisingly low OBP (.302) leaves him out of the running.

Therefore, the Brewers should follow up the trio of Villar, Braun and Carter with young slugger, Domingo Santana.

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