OK, I'm sure that this is going to be very controversial. Maybe I'm just biased from some shitty Fantasy League results, but I've always been skeptical of the automatic Wilfong for Pettis sub that Gantry espouses. To refresh your memories, here's Gantry's suggested changes:
Gary Pettis - sub in Wilfong
Doug DeCinces
Wally Joyner
Reggie Jackson
Brian Downing
Bobby Grich - sub in Jones
Dick Schofield
Bob Boone - sub in Burleson
Let's look at the three subs Gantry suggests:
Wilfong for Pettis
Subbing in Wilfong gives you a decent chance to get an extra base hit or even a home run to lead off the game. But, once you get into the game, are you gaining that much with having Wilfong in there? His power is more than Pettis', but his contact is awful - one of the worst in the game. If you make solid contact, you can do something good, but you'll hit to many weak fly balls that are easy outs and don't advance runners.
Jones for Grich
Although I don't think Grich is that bad, you have to get Rupperto in the game. And Grich's numbers just don't fly in the six hole.
Burleson for Boone
I don't understand making this switch at all. Gantry says that Burleson is a "better all-around hitter" than Hendrick. I don't see things at all this way. Burleson is just a slightly better contact hitter than Hendrick, and Hendrick has far more power. Although I can respect wanting to save a power guy for the bench, that theory goes against what we all generally believe - put your best line-up out there and try to end it early (reference the NL All-Star sub debate).
Here's what I would recommend.
Bat Hendrick first
Basically, you're getting a major upgrade in power from Pettis, and a much better contact hitter than Wilfong, which you want in this spot for when Meat and Potatoes come up.
Keep the Jones for Grich sub
I'm tempted to bat Jones first and Hendrick here just to have the raw power of Rupperto leading off. That's some intimidation there. But, it's hard to justify a lead-off hitter who's such a lousy contact hitter. This is a better spot for him. Here, Gantry and I agree.
Leave Boone in, and let Burleson and Wilfong sit
Again, bringing in Burleson here is a significant reduction in power. And Wilfong also isn't as powerful, and he's a worse contact hitter to boot. Bob Boone can come through in the eight hole if you're patient enough.
I know that Wilfong is a close family friend of Gantry's, but I can't make a case for starting him. Thoughts?
I struggle with who to lead off...even after 15 years.
Sometimes I let Pettis play, and try to slap a single thru the ss/3b hole.
Sometimes, I follow Gantry's advice and give Willy a shot (rarely, tho).
Sometimes, I throw Burleson in there (if the P is a righty--I prefer to bat same hand as P) and leave him in there until the 1st lefty comes into the game to pitch.
I like to bat Hendrick 6 for Grich.
I like to back Jones 7 for Schofield.
I use Boone at 8 if the bases are empty with 1 or 2 outs...or if I used a lot of the bench already.
I think, though, for me, it depends on who the SP is.
If it's a lefty starter, say Viola, this line up makes the most sense for me:
1 Pettis
2 DeCinces
3 Joyner
4 Jackson
5 Downing
6 Jones
7 Hendrick
8 Wilfong
Burleson on bench as PH for Wilfong, P, or Pettis for when a righty comes in or when a good PH opp comes along.
If the SP is a righty, say Clemens, I like:
1 Burleson
2 DeCinces
3 Joyner
4 Jackson
5 Downing
6 Hendrick
7 Jones
8 Boone
Again, why lead-off with Pettis or Burleson rather than Hendrick? Hendrick gives you the righty bat you want against a right-handed pitcher, and much, much better numbers. Give him more chances to hit is my philosophy, rather than burying him deep in the order.
I like protecting the bats of Jackson and Downing with Hendrick in the 6 hole.
I like keeping Petis, Schofield, and Boone in the game. . . . .but I'm a fucking moron, so what's the difference.
I usually let Pettis get a couple of at-bats. If his weak ass shit isn't working, he's gone, usually subbed with Wilfong.
Rupperto ALWAYS bats sixth and I've never taken out Schofield. Ever.
Bob Boone gets a rare at-bat here and there but Hendrick is subbed prett much all the time for him. He gives a little more pop at the end of the lineup.
I keep Pettis in just to give him a chance to set the table.
I actually play with CA exactly how fightonusc described. Hendrick and Rupperto have way to much power not to be subbed in immediately at #1 and #6 respectively. I've seen friends have success with Jones at leadoff but it's just a matter of habit for me. As for Boone, we've discussed it alot and I know I'm in the minority but I always leave him in. He always seems to get the job done for me.
I ALWAYS put Jones in for Pettis immediately. Get his ass in the game, and get him as many at-bats as you can. I've had it come down too many times to a one or two-run deficit near the end of the game, and a good hitter jammed down at 6 or 7 in the lineup doesn't get another turn to bat.
Basically, your 7-8-9 hitters are going to be fairly crappy no matter what, so if you *JUST* make it to the leadoff man again, I'd rather have someone with Jones' power there. Also, there's a lot to be said for having five guys in a row at the top of the order who can hit the ball off the screen.
As for Wilfong and Hendrick, I usually use them and save Burleson, but the order hasn't really ever mattered for fuck.
I leave Pettis, Jones for Grich, Hendrick for Boone, will PH for Pettis later in a spot where power may be in order.
I repeat myself: Why on earth would anyone not get Jones into the game as early as possible? One at-bat with Jones versus one at-bat with Pettis is a huge step up, no doubt. Pettis is weaker than three, maybe all four of the pinch-hitters. No reason you should'nt get him out of there at once, and put in the best of your PHs. This is also why I bat McGwire first on the AL team, and Murphy second on the NL. Get them in there as fast as you can, jerkwagon!
Rupperto for Pettis
Hendrick for Grich
Wilfong for Boone
I leave Burlesack on the bench because I feel he's the weaker of the 4 subs.
I think you need to get Rupperto into the game asap. He is as good as anyone in the game. Boone has touched me up several times, but I still pinch hit for him right away.