As Tony LaRussa, manager of the Cardinals, comes to the pitcher's mound for the 694th time this evening, it occurs to me that there is something the Phillies should take from their three-game series in St. Louis: the benefits of arranging the lineup with the pitcher batting eighth.
LaRussa does it with regularity, with the dual-purpose of allowing him to bat Albert Pujols third, maximizing his plate appearances over the course of the season, but also to give him more RBI opportunities than he would have if he batted three slots from the pitcher.
As for the Phillies, batting the pitcher eighth rather than the customary ninth could possibly get not only Chase Utley more RBI chances, but leadoff-hitter Jimmy Rollins as well. Last year, Rollins finished the season with 94 RBI but is on pace this year for just 58 RBI. Now a big part of this is due to the fact that Rollins is not generating nearly as much power a the plate this year as he did last, but a part of it is also due to the fact that there are not nearly as many RBI opportunities.
Take a look at the on-base percentages of the Phillies 7th, 8th, and 9th hitters this season compared to last season:
2007 2008 7th .382 .315 8th .333 .318 9th .233 .266
Getting the weak-hitting pitcher just a slot farther away from Rollins will give him just a few more chances to drive in a run. No, it won't be a large effect, but over time, every little bit can add up. Just ask Peter Gibbons.
