The shift is getting out of hand.......

[Super Mario]

Anyone else agree?

 

[Ashburn Alley]

It's smart baseball. The batters need to adjust enough to keep the defense honest IMO.

 

[BBCgalaxee]

I don't care, no, I Really don't care who the batter is, McCann, Ortiz, Mantle, Ruth, whoever, drop OR ATTEMPT to drop some bunts down and even if they aren't always successful, managers will think twice.

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[Super Mario]

It's smart baseball. The batters need to adjust enough to keep the defense honest IMO.

I don't know what the exact statistics are, but I would just assume it doesn't really have that high of a success rate, so why bother?

 

[Ashburn Alley]

Not from the games I watch. Ryan Howard is often on the bad end of a shift (if he isn't striking out).

 

[MrMet]

I thought it said "this **** is getting out of hand", then the first post said "anyone else agree", and I was like, what ****?

Ahh reading comprehension

 

[caster513]

Its been years and Jay Bruce can not figure this out, I mean give it a shot/bunt down the line, nothing ever......

 

[Crewfan82]

I don't know what the exact statistics are, but I would just assume it doesn't really have that high of a success rate, so why bother?

They are used because they work. Managers don't shift just to do it. They shift because it works. Yeah, they get burned from time to time, but I see it resulting in outs more often than not.

 

[maxe0213]

I don't know what the exact statistics are, but I would just assume it doesn't really have that high of a success rate, so why bother?

They wouldn't do it if it didn't work. The stats are clearly in favor of the shift or else managers wouldn't do it. Who cares if people shift? Hit the ball the other way.

 

[TNP777]

Sam, they do it 'cause it works. As others have said, keep the opposition honest by going the other way. Trouble is that a lot of these guys are dead pull hitters - they can't help themselves.

 

[Bootstraps9]

If you have a pick-up line that works 70% of the time and one that works 60% of the time, why would you ever use the one that works 60% of the time?

 

[scotty216brs]

If you have a pick-up line that works 70% of the time and one that works 60% of the time, why would you ever use the one that works 60% of the time?

Because....

 

[Super Mario]

I just wanted to get some conversation going.

 

[Brewer Andy]

So why don't more guys bunt one the other way? Is it because the shift tends to be run more on run producing hitters who aren't used to/confident in bunting? Why not at least take one shot at it? (Obviously situation my dictate but often leading off an inning in a close game even no one lays one down)

 

[Bootstraps9]

So why don't more guys bunt one the other way? Is it because the shift tends to be run more on run producing hitters who aren't used to/confident in bunting? Why not at least take one shot at it? (Obviously situation my dictate but often leading off an inning in a close game even no one lays one down)

There is no good answer to this IMO. I think they are just too cocky or stupid. There are definitely times when you should be trying for an extra base hit and singles are as useful, but laying one down to lead off an inning or with a man on first no one out would be very smart baseball. It would get base runners on with none out and it would reduce the likelihood of the shift later increasing their ability to get a 'normal' hit later in the game/season.

 

[aarne13]

I saw Joey Bats make a play at third (when he was playing RF). I can't remember who the shift was for on the Rangers.

 

[Hakuna Machado]

The TB Rays do the shift for just about everyone in the line up.

 

[jrinne]

The TB Rays do the shift for just about everyone in the line up.

Joe wanted to start using the shift 14 years ago when he was with the Angels. It's smart baseball, the batters need to learn how to adjust.

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[maxe0213]

Joe wanted to start using the shift 14 years ago when he was with the Angels. It's smart baseball, the batters need to learn how to adjust.

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Yeah. The Yanks now use the shift more than anyone in baseball. I think its great. I'd say around 80-90% of the time it works. Some guys have started bunting but some just wont. Someones number 4 hitter isn't supposed to be hitting bunt singles. They are supposed to drive the ball, thus they don't put bunts down.

My only pet peeve is when they shift against contact or leadoff hitters. Like Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals. He should be played straight up, not shifted.

 

[scotty216brs]

So why don't more guys bunt one the other way? Is it because the shift tends to be run more on run producing hitters who aren't used to/confident in bunting? Why not at least take one shot at it? (Obviously situation my dictate but often leading off an inning in a close game even no one lays one down)

That's exactly what teams WANT these hitters to do!! The shift is primarily used on pull hitters who can drive the ball a long ways...these teams don't mind if they bunt single every time up to the plate, if it prevents them from hitting doubles off the wall, etc...Not to mention if the hitters want to get the ball through the shift they might have to alter their swings and/or approach at the plate, which is also beneficial for the shifting team as it might result in less power.

For those who really hate the shift and CAN'T stand it........blame Joe Maddon! It's all his fault....and now it's here to stay.