Small sample size alert: Heyward leads off

Tomorrow marks a full week of Heyward hitting at the top of the order, and given the performance of the offense during that span, it's probably safe to assume that the lineup tinkering will be put on hold for a while.  Heyward has done nothing but strengthen his hold on the spot, mashing a triple slash line of .321/.424/.643, with a one-to-one (1/1) BB/K ratio, a wOBA of .448, and a wRC+ of 192, and three homers.

The fact that he's leading off instead of hitting second has nothing to do with the impressive run he's on, but Fredi's decision to let Heyward get the most at-bats while leveraging Simmons in a more appropriate spot is a wise one that should pay dividends as the season starts to wind down and game situations are magnified.  Heyward's better at getting on base, he's faster, and he has better instincts on the base paths than Simmons.  That's just the reality of the situation.  All of these characteristics are desirable in the "ideal" lead off hitter, and as such, it only makes sense for Heyward to be that guy.

The issue comes full circle when Andrelton Simmons' recent performance is taken into account.  During the past week, he's hitting .393/.414/.571.  While his batting average is heavily aided by a high BABIP (.404) during that span, it's good to see him hitting well and hopefully building some confidence in himself.  In the eight spot of this lineup, having someone that makes good contact and doesn't strikeout much is a plus.  Uggla, Johnson, and McCann are all high OBP guys, and in a situation where a runner is on third with one out, if a sac-fly (or contact in general) is needed, Simmons is the guy you want up there.  Taking walks and running the bases well aren't his strengths, and it's nice to see that recognized, instead of attempts being made to force him into a mold he doesn't fit into.

Being a manager is all about leveraging the strengths of your people.  Lineup optimization is not a make-or-break type of managerial decision; instead, it's a decision whose effects are felt most at the margins.  Often, those marginal decisions end up playing a large role in the outcome of events.  Fredi's decision to take action and rectify this situation for the betterment of the offense is a forward step.