The classic No. 2 hitter is all about “bat control.” That might mean hitting for a solid average, as Ozzie Smith, “The Wizard of Oz,” often did in his career. But it might also mean deliberately hitting the ball “behind the runner” to reduce the risk of a double play — or even to lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt. The important thing was to make sure the leadoff hitter got into scoring position for the big bats to drive in later. And a little speed from this spot never hurts, especially since it helps those ground balls turn into infield hits.
No place in the lineup showcases how the game has changed more than the No. 2 slot. Remember how the second spot in the order used to be all about making contact and moving runners over? Now, the data say that your best overall hitter should hit second rather than third, as originally believed. At the No. 2 spot, they will come to the plate more often, and less frequently with two outs. This is why better overall hitters — and especially better power hitters, like Trout, Seager, and Ohtani, hit in the 2-hole more than they ever did in the past.