the strongest players as starters. Behind them were either freshmen or some players who were not going to play every day. it wasn't the same as before when he had 3+ options for designated player in the season. So, yes, the need to win and the SOS dictated strong lineups, but I think there was likely a drop off after the starters? I think there was a gap between the top 9 players in the batting lineup and everyone else, but who knows what he saw in practice. Then subbing or not subbing comes down to choice. How good is Gagliardi for example? Could Charlotte Moore be productive? Blackwell played alot last year, but then this year was primarily a defensive replacement.