Alright, thanks. We're getting closer, but that still doesn't address the combo of Pujols 2/pitcher 8. In fact, Tango says only in extreme situations (Adam Everett, Tony Pena Jr) should you hit your pitcher 8th. I may have misread his post, but it appeared to me that Rob was putting importance on the combo of moving the pitcher to the 8 spot and Pujols (or the best hitter in the lineup, I would assume) to the 2 spot. I don't see the connection. you misread, that was saying you should only bat your worst position player 8th in the American League if it's an extreme situation. Batting your best hitter 2nd is optimal and the effect is maximized when you have your pitcher 8th because it increases the RBI opportunities for the top of the lineup.