MLB: LaRussa's pitcher bats 8th this year

The Cardinals and Brewers are trying something new this year; they are batting their pitchers 8th rather than 9th. LaRussa says that he is doing it so that he can have it both ways with Albert Pujols: he has Pujols to bat in the first inning for sure, as the #3 hitter, but after that, he is effectively a cleanup hitter. Having three hitters in front of him instead of two (following the pitcher's spot) increases his RBI opportunities.

The downside is that the pitcher is more likely to bat in the second inning, and more likely to mess up your third inning. After about 2 at bats, its not a very big deal, as the pinch hitters take over, or the guys who are double switched in to the lineup occupy that slot. Also, now your #7 hitter has no lineup protection.

This makes a lot of sense with the Cardinals' set up of having a relatively weak starting rotation, and a (normally) strong bullpen. I expect that despite whatever names you find on your Cardinals roster sheet, the bullpen will be good. LaRussa knows how to find guys Kiko Calero to come from the baseball wilderness and get outs in the late innings. It's a skill he shares with Jim Leyland and Piniella.