Why Batting Order Matters

Here are the Royal leaders in plate appearances this season:

1. Melky Cabrera: 690 (151 games played)
   
2. Alex Gordon: 688 (151 GP)
3. Jeff Francoeur: 647 (151 GP)
4. Billy Butler: 646 (153 GP)
5. Alcides Escobar: 577 (152 GP)

Now, obviously, not all games played are equal. Butler has appeared as a PH six times, so he's only started 147 games, while St. Francoeur has started 150 games and only PHed once.

Nevertheless, you can see the pattern: hit at the top of the order, hit more. Hit at the bottom of the order: hit less.