This is, I would think, far from any significant solution, but can we at least structure our batting lineup in a manner more reasonable to long term expectations of the hitters involved?
We have spoken above to how quick, knee-jerk changes in management may not prove anything tangibly useful on the field, as may not the outing of Kingery from fielding 3B because of a lack of superior alternatives. But in the case of the latter, I think you also realize you dont re-invent the wheel that is the batting lineup by shifting hitters out of where longer term performance indicates their strength may be.
Kingery has shown a hot bat, and his overall MLB career numbers are small, so I have no problem him replacing McCutcheon at the top of the order. Segura had shown no reason to be moved down; his continued slump could be argued to be a mental adjustment as much as any normal mid-season occurence. Look at his career numbers.
Harper is walking a ton of late, but would that much change from the 3-hole? His career numbers show the high OBP coupled with power; he's ideal for 3rd in a lineup. Hoskins behind him then makes sense, Bruce and Realmuto after that.
I realize I'm arguing a mental side to a hitter's perspective which may not be able to be fleshed out with significant analytical data. So, too, do I know that when a team is losing disdain to decisions made by management becomes commonplace. But just as when a hitter is slumping - don't reinvent the wheel. Make a few tweaks, stay true to what you know, ride out the storm.
