Zack Cozart - Hitting second

2013 so far, 30 AB's .400 .438 .700 1.138 3 doubles, 2 HR's 2 BB's

2012 102 AB's .324 .378 .490 .868 2 HR 3 triples 5 doubles.

2011 34 AB's .324 .324 .500 .824 2 HR

Yeah, the sample is smallish, but he's got some pop, seems very comfortable getting all those FB's hitting in front of Votto PLUS the fact that Choo is likely on base almost half the time in front of him. For everyone that wants to tinker with the lineup, I'd say this is the most optimal lineup the Reds have 1-5, and even better IMO than when Ludwick was in the lineup. I prefer BP far away from hitting 2nd.

I agree...if and when Ludwick gets back I'd leave it as is and put him behind Frazier...

I agree with both of you, completely. Plus, it gives BROTHER the luxury of easing back into the lineup.

We still have a long time until Luddy gets back. Obviously its best that Cozart stays there for now, but I'll wait until Luddy is actually back to see how Cozart's numbers are then.

Cozart batting second and BP batting cleanup might have saved the season.

Then again, would be nice if our ace pitcher and our best set-up man weren't on the DL, but things aren't looking as bleak as they were recently.

The beauty is that we're getting both of those pitchers back this season and they'll be well rested.

I recall last season that Stubbs had a a brief spell where he was doing well in the #2 hole. That didn't last and I don't expect Cozart to deliver the OB needed from a quality #2 hitter over the long haul.

Eventually someone else will need to do that job.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by M2

I recall last season that Stubbs had a a brief spell where he was doing well in the #2 hole. That didn't last and I don't expect Cozart to deliver the OB needed from a quality #2 hitter over the long haul.

Eventually someone else will need to do that job.

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Exactly. Players' performance may vary in different spots in the lineup. But most of that variance is due to randomness, not a change in their actual ability to perform. I'm glad Cozart has been hitting well in the 2nd spot, but the reality is that he had a .043 BABIP batting 7th and a .385 BABIP batting 2nd this year. In both places, it's small sample size variance.

Over time, we have a pretty good idea of how Cozart's going to hit -- and it won't look good batting 2nd.

The two spots different this year. With a runner on almost half the time, the pitcher is in the stretch. More fast balls, fewer splits and sliders. Nothing that bounces. With cozart's power, it leads to good AB's.

It really shows the trickle down effect, and just how good Votto was last year before he got hurt.

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100922

Pitch Breakdown for Cozart in 2012 and 2013 in the #2 spot vs everywhere else combined:

Fastball
2nd: 64%
EE: 63%

Slider
2nd: 15%
EE: 17%

Change Up
2nd: 10%
EE: 8%

Curveball
2nd: 11%
EE: 11%

He really isn't seeing a different selection of pitches.