In this episode of Behind the Lineup, we break down one of the most fundamental — yet most misunderstood — aspects of baseball strategy: how to build a lineup. We explore how traditional lineup construction has evolved in today’s analytics-driven game, diving deep into the roles and expectations of each spot in the order.

We compare the old-school model to the modern approach — from what it used to mean to bat leadoff or cleanup, to why the two-hole has become a spot for your best hitter. With player comparisons like Derek Jeter vs. Jeremy Peña, Joe Mauer vs. Aaron Judge, and Prince Fielder vs. Seiya Suzuki, we illustrate how philosophies have shifted over time and what coaches and players need to be thinking about when they write a lineup card.

We also explore how the bottom of the order has transformed — from a dumping ground for weaker bats to a place of strategic opportunity.

To close the episode, I share my personal 1–9 lineup philosophy and how I would build a batting order based on modern concepts and intentional decision-making.

Finally, we wrap with this week’s book recommendation — The Why Is Everything by Michael Silver — and connect its core message to today’s topic: if you’re not asking “why,” you’re probably not building it right.