"So if you ask me these kinds of studies are pointless and mean absolutely nothing." That is my opinion, just because you don't like it that gives you no right to insult me. It wasn't a malicious attack against you or even directed at you in any way. I offered up my opinion. It has to do with your disregarding studies you know nothing about yet think are worthless. Did you not read that I said that I read every word of the first link you provided and now I've read every word of the second "study" you provided. They don't measure human interaction in any way or even attempt to. That leaves a HUGE hole in the study doesn't it? And since they can't measure it they disregard its importance. Why is it so hard to believe that someone would find little value in a study that does that? Doing a study on OPS or VORP, etc. is one thing, combining statistics (which many already have flaws in them in the first place) in a complex interaction such as a batting order to find the "optimal" batting lineup doesn't hold any weight and isn't a good study in my opinion. If you think statistical analysis of baseball has absolutely no merit, start a thread in this forum explaining why you think that. Hold on here. I would like you to quote me as to when exactly I said statistical analysis of baseball has absolultey no merit. You're assuming things out of thin air to make an argument. I said THESE studies are leaving out a huge element. You can't measure the optimal lineup the way they are trying to. Sorry, it's not possible. I find GREAT value in many statistical studies...not this one. You seem frustrated that I don't see it your way and are lowering yoruself to belittling me and my knowledge of statistical studies although having no idea whether I do or not. You might want to think twice when assuming things about people.