Yes, by definition. I guess the way it works with line up optimization is that if you hit one of the 3 best hitters you have (the one with the most OBP-heavy OPS) leadoff, #2 comes up with the best chance of having at least one guy on.
So why not 2 hitters in front of your best hitter? Even the best hitters make outs 2/3 of the time, so you'll be having him up with bases empty 2 outs most often. I guess bases empty, 1 out has a greater run expectancy than bases empty 2 outs. I'll admit I have not read the original work on this.
Personally, I would think with Werth and Span ahead of #3, then the odds start to swing more in favor of a sliding the best hitter back to #3. A couple of gusy you hope to have .360+ OBP probably changes the bases empty 2 outs likelihood.
