Part 3/7:
The debate surrounding Lindor’s positioning in the lineup naturally leads to discussions about the "protection" provided to sluggers. One analyst argues that to maximize Soto's effectiveness, placing him second might open up opportunities for him to swing away without constantly facing the threat of intentional walks from opposing pitchers.
Incorporating other key players in the lineup, such as Brandon Nimmo and Lyor, adds further complexity. A suggestion emerges regarding the arrangement: having Nimmo lead off, followed by Soto, with Lyor providing protection by batting third. The rationale here is to create a scenario for opposing pitchers where they can’t easily strategize against a single great hitter, forcing them to contend with multiple threats in close succession.