Batting Order Roles

Below is a chart that indicates the ideal roles, expectations, and priorities for each batter in the line-up.  Of course, a manager is going to be limited to the talent he has on the team and most likely will not have a hitter in each spot who is capable of achieving all that is expected.  However, showing this to the hitters on a team gives each of them at least an idea of what is expected of them.  This can help because it allows the hitter to develop a better game plan for their day.  It also can allow them to better assess their at-bats beyond the mere number of hits they got that game.  I'm sure there may be some things to add to the various batting order positions on the chart but I think the basics are covered.  Hope you find it useful!
Note: This line-up assumes a designated hitter is allowed.

OrderRoles, Expectations, & Priorities

1

• Be willing to take some pitches so your team can gather info about the pitcher.
• Comfortable hitting behind in the count.
• Be a good bunter (sac and base hit) & be willing to do it at any time.
• Get on base
• Line drives and ground balls
• Good, smart, aggressive base runner

2

• Be willing to take pitches for your team and so that the leadoff guy can steal
• Comfortable hitting behind in the count.
• Get on base
• Line drives and ground balls
• Aggressive with runners in scoring position
• Move runners up – bunt, hitting to RF, etc.

3

• Drive in runs
• More aggressive! Especially early in the count and with runners on base
• Less emphasis on just getting on & moving runners
• Hits gap to gap / Line drives
• Usually the best hitter on the team.

4

• Same as 3^rd hitter

5

• Same as 3 & 4 hitters
• Ideally, this is a hitter who is a good bat also so the opposition thinks twice about pitching around the 4th hitter. 

6

• Same as 3,4 & 5 hitters

7

• Get on base
• Be a good bunter and be willing to do it.
• Aggressive with runners on base.

8

• Same as #7

9

• Ideally, this hitter is similar to the #1 hitter
• Good eye for the strike zone
• A tough out.
• Good Sac bunter
• Aggressive with runners in scoring position