Lineups Outlook: Jake the Rake back in the leadoff spot

This week’s post focuses on three hitters’ ideal spots in their respective lineups, plus some wishcasting for two rookies to get improved spots in the batting order. BaseballHQ cannot guarantee they will happen, yet it’s worth exploring. 

 

Potential Gainers in Value

Jake McCarthy (OF, COL)

It’s a little bit ironic, don’t you think, because he began the season as the Rockies’ leadoff hitter and hit .111 across his first 19 plate appearances. As a result, he was dropped to ninth and has hit his way back into leading off games. Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post intimated that McCarthy has replaced Edouard Julien (2B, COL) as the team’s preferred option to lead off against right-handed pitching. In Wednesday’s game against...

Almost!

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