Benny as Lead Off?

- I have noticed that Benny is often hitting lead off for the Marines. I don't understand this. Valentine is famous for shuffling around with the batting orders, but what is Bobby Valentine thinking here?

What exactly is your definition of a leadoff hitter? One that gets on base and steals? Now in this case, Benny gets on base, while Nishioka struggles. With Benny batting leadoff and getting on base at a higher pace it gives your 3-4-5 hitters more chances to drive in runs.

He's thinking Benny has a really high OBP so far this year as he walks a lot (10 in 60 PA). Benny is not a swift base runner, but he is a smart and hard runner, so I don't think it's as counter-intuitive a move as you think.

I do think Benny has only gotten the start in the leadoff spot for a few games (3 or 4, maybe). He's certainly a better choice than Hayakawa or Hayasaka (both of whom have lead off several games this year). A better choice would probably be Nishioka as he gets on often and steals frequently - though he seems fixed in the 2/3 spots. Takehara has been pretty effective leading off this year as well, though with not so many PAs to this point.

He gets on base at a decent clip, but has been losing his power stroke over the years. So it actually makes some sense to put him at the top of the line up and have him driven in by others rather than the other way around.