KANSAS CITY – Small sample sizes notwithstanding, so far it looks as if batting Mallex Smith at the bottom of the order has been beneficial for the Braves’ rookie center fielder.
Smith has started eight games in the No. 9 hole when manager Fredi Gonzalez has batted the pitcher eighth, and in those eight starts Smith is 11-for-27 (.407) with three doubles, a home run, four stolen bases (in six attempts), four RBIs and five strikeouts.
(He’s 11-for-29 overall from the ninth spot, including pinch-hit appearances).
When batting in the leadoff spot, Smith is 1-for-18 with a single, one steal (in three attempts) and seven strikeouts.
The only other position where he has more than one plate appearances in the eighth spot, where Smith was 5-for-28 (.179) with three doubles, five RBIs, two walks and 11 strikeouts before Friday, when he hit in that position in an interleague series opener against the Royals with the designated hitter in use.
