Milwaukee Brewers: Building A Better Batting Order

After filling out slots 1-4, the sabermetric study suggests ranking your hitters in order of pure ability. Where does this leave Counsell and the Brewers?

With Domingo Santana laying claim to the cleanup spot, Craig Counsell must decide who rounds out the bottom of the order.

His use of Chris Carter in 5-hole for much of the year suggests his preference for power.

While no one on the current roster can replicate a 40 home run season there is creative options available.

Beginning at 5, the Brewers should use 2016 bright spot Hernan Perez. According to Reifer’s study, employing a player with speed can have tremendous impact at #5.

This is because, weaker hitters have more chances to be productive with men in scoring position. With 34 stolen bases, Perez becomes the perfect candidate.

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If he is able to get on base and steal, players such as Scooter Gennett, Orland Arcia and Keon Broxton could see a bump in RBI’s.

Perez’s speed puts him in great position to easily score from second on singles. If a hitter batting 6-9 puts a double in the gap, Perez would likely score from first.

After Perez, the team should then send Keon Broxton to the plate. Broxton’s speed offers the same benefits mentioned for Perez.

Imagine a situation with Broxton leading off an inning. He starts the inning off with a walk. Steals second. Arcia bunts him over to third and the catcher drives him in (Pina,Susac,Maldonado).

The scenario seems simple but could be a realistic option for the 2017 season.

Going into a season without Jonathan Lucroy creates a question mark at catcher not seen for some time.

Whether its Andrew Susac, Manny Pina or Martin Maldonado it is important that Arcia bats ahead of them.

Any difference between the amount of at bats for a 7 and 8 hitters is important. Arcia needs as many opportunities as possible to find his way at the plate.

This leaves the Brewers with the a sabermetric optimized lineup of:

• Jonathan Villar
• Ryan Braun
• Chris Carter
• Domingo Santana
• Hernan Perez
• Keon Broxton
• Orlando Arcia
• Catcher 
• Pitcher

While this assumes certain things such as Perez at 3rd, Villar at 2nd and Broxton being the centerfielder, the principles remain the same.

Next: Brewers: Three Interesting Facts From Season

Put your hitters in the best position to not only succeed as individuals but to have the greatest run producing impact.