the best play without a doubt would be to bunt towards the third base line. The idea is to get the third baseman to commit. If he does and the bunt is a slow roller (textbook) then there will not even be a throw to third. When you are bunting you do not want the catcher or the pitcher to field the ball ever. Bunting down the first base line will result in a double play at least 40% of the time with a runner on 1st and 2nd.
The strategy for the bunt down the 3rd base side is actualy to DRAW THE THROW to first.
- if the bunt is to 3rd and the third baseman fields it , it is too difficult to field it cleanly turn and make an accurate throw to the shortstop running in the wrong direction, he has to lead the throw it is a much easier throw to first which allows your lead runner to round the bag.
- on the first base side it is an easier throw to third for the first baseman, also the first baseman might have the chance to tag the runner creating no throw.
Again the object is to draw the throw away from your lead runner
- if the bunt is to 3rd and the third baseman fields it , it is too difficult to field it cleanly turn and make an accurate throw to the shortstop running in the wrong direction, he has to lead the throw it is a much easier throw to first which allows your lead runner to round the bag.
- on the first base side it is an easier throw to third for the first baseman, also the first baseman might have the chance to tag the runner creating no throw.
Again the object is to draw the throw away from your lead runner
You must also take into account that (a guess) well over 50% of MLB Players cant bunt to save there life.....let alone decide what side of the field to direct it too. Just getting one down in play is a feat for most hitters.
Also, a player may want to chose the side of the field to bunt the ball, but a decent pitcher will throw the ball where he has a limit to his options of placing the bunt.
An unsuspecting bunt, the pitcher should throw high and tight, limiting the chances of a bunt being placed anywhere. As for an expected bunt, location of the pitch will help dictate where the batter can actually get the ball into play at.
Tamers Take
Also, a player may want to chose the side of the field to bunt the ball, but a decent pitcher will throw the ball where he has a limit to his options of placing the bunt.
An unsuspecting bunt, the pitcher should throw high and tight, limiting the chances of a bunt being placed anywhere. As for an expected bunt, location of the pitch will help dictate where the batter can actually get the ball into play at.
Tamers Take
look at STL last year. they won close games b/c theyt manufactured runs and were one of the best bunting teams in baseball.
Manufacturing runs is ONE way to win baseball games. There's a reason small ball works and a reason it doesn't. Many ways to manage a game. Small ball isn't as right or as wrong as any other theory out there.
Just think about all the games u were on, men on 1st and 2nd, down 1 or tied, letting the 6 or 7 batter swing away, and theres a pop out or a DP.
now THOSE are rally-killers as well.
Manufacturing runs is ONE way to win baseball games. There's a reason small ball works and a reason it doesn't. Many ways to manage a game. Small ball isn't as right or as wrong as any other theory out there.
Just think about all the games u were on, men on 1st and 2nd, down 1 or tied, letting the 6 or 7 batter swing away, and theres a pop out or a DP.
now THOSE are rally-killers as well.
