Every Reds fan who has watched local television broadcasts or listened to local radio broadcasts over the last several seasons has likely heard a statement similar to the following: “Brandon Phillips can hit anywhere in the lineup.” Of course we know he can hit anywhere in the lineup, because the lineup is controlled by a man with a writing instrument. However, I believe this statement means so much more.
Hidden in this statement is another implication, I believe. The implication is that Phillips can be an ideal leadoff hitter when he bats 1st, an ideal 2-hole hitter when he bats 2nd, an ideal 3-hole hitter when he bats 3rd, and an ideal clean-up hitter when he bats 4th.