Second Batter Evaluation

After reading about the Lead Off Value, you may want to know how valuable a number two hitter is. A batter  batting second in the lineup has to be bale to get on base, get extra base hits, because they score the runner and have sacrifice hits and flies. The number 2 batter does not want to strikeout and ground into double plays. Getting on base will further fuel a first inning rally, as does driving in the lead off man with extra base hits and sacrificing yourself to advance the lead off hitter. You want your lineup to flow nicely and having a good second batter will be good after a good lead off hitter

OBP = On base percentage
SH = Sacrifice hits
SF = Sacrifice flies
2B = Doubles
3B = Triples
GDP = Grounded into double play
SO = Strikeouts
SBE = Second batter evaluation

SBE = OBP( SH + SF + 2B + 3B) X100
                       GDP + SO

Derek Jeter's SBE = 0.355(37)   X 100
                                      91                     = 14.4

A 14.4 SBE is above average, Derek Jeter is a pretty good number 2 hitter.

Dustin Pedroia's SBE = 0.387(49)   X100  
                                           97                
      = 19.5

A 19.5 SBE is great. Pedroia would make an excellent number 2 hitter

 For an additional fact: most lead off hitters are left handed. Having a number 2 hitter who is right handed or a switch hitter would negate the left on left and right on right match ups that the opposing managers love to use so much. With a right handed pitcher coming in to face the number 2 hitter, that right handed pitcher may stay in the game to face the left handed, slugging number 3 hitter.