Sunday, August 19, 2007

1st and 2nd double steal

Runners on 1st and 2nd. Classic bunt situation right? Well, actually only with nobody out. However, if there is one out it could very well become a classic double steal situation. It would move the lead runner to 3rd base so he could score on a sac fly or a contact play and it would eliminate the double play possibility. The issue becomes it both runners take off who do you throw out?

The trail runner is taught to make sure the lead runner goes. That means he will certainly get a late jump. It might be very advantageous to throw out the trail runner if in fact he gets a late jump. Here's the problem- how do the infielders know where the catcher is going to throw the ball. Actually, there should be a signal that tells the infielders what runner the catcher is going after. The very last thing you want in this situation is for two infielders to leave their position and the batter shoots one through either hole. The catcher should notify the infielders or simply throw the lead runner out and make sure the middle infielders hold their ground.

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