I like how you used OBP and ‘bat control’ in the same argument.

at least vs LHP. I think there’s players with better OBP vs righties who’re more suitable there (I’d probably always stick colby there vs righties) but there’s some merit to the idea, I think. He’s one of the better RHB with no power. That said, the “ideal” (statistically) lineup construction would probably have Apu in the 2 hole, and Molina down the order; he’s not your classical 2-hole hitter but I think at present, with Ludwick out, Molina at #2 and Rasmus hitting cleanup wouldn’t be the worst move in the world.

As for the lineup shuffling, I think it’s mostly immaterial. Most studies have shown that the effect on lineup order is minimal (the best vs the worst order only differs by just over 2 wins per year, I think I read somewhere, and realistically most orders TLR puts out there are going to be closer to the optimal end than they are to the “least optimal” end of that spectrum).

Also, I don’t necessarily know if hitters have a notably different approach when they’re hitting in different spots. Obviously, sometimes TLR calls for a bunt or a hit&run, which changes their approach, but I reckon that when hitters are swinging they do much the same thing anywhere, as long as the manager makes it clear they’re not under any more “pressure” to hit elevated balls/RBIs in a certain position. To me, it seems crazy that the cubbies have Soriano hitting leadoff when he should really be #4 or #5 in that lineup, but there ya go (also, I’ve felt for a long time that the Indians need to put Grady in the 2-hole; both by the classical logic AND sabermetrically it’s his ideal slot)…

and all is well

with the exception of the pitcher batting 8th. I know it hasn’t happened very often this season, but it’s time that TLR moved on from that stage.