Finding a good lead off hitter is kind of like finding a good closer. The spreadsheet guys will tell you anyone can do it but I beg to differ. It takes someone with the right mindset who can handle the pressure. Many times we have seen bullpen guys put up microscopic ERA’s as middle relievers but get pummeled when used as the closer. And many times we have seen hitters tear the cover off the ball batting low in the lineup but then go into an extreme funk when hitting leadoff. There is a different set of responsibilities with those two jobs that not every player can handle.