The intentional walk (conventional and not conventional)

The concept of the intentional walk is an interesting one. Give someone a base without attempting to put them out. Therefore, something must be gained by giving the opposing team a free base.

The obvious times to issue a free pass are if there is a runner on 2nd base only and a teams best hitter comes to the plate. This is almost the no-brainer. There is an "open base" and you only need to record one more out. Put the best hitter on the team on base and work against the next hitter. A little more confusing is when the lead runner is not one 2nd base. Are you willing to create a 1st and 3rd scenario and risk and steal? What if the runners are at 2nd and 3rd? Are you willing to walk the bases loaded? Every coach has their own opinion. I am of the opinion to never let the best hitter beat you late in the game. Therefore, I intentionally walk the best batter in the aforementioned scenarios on most occasions.

Now, it gets a little more confusing if the best hitter comes up and 1st base isn't open. Are you willing to move a runner into scoring position and give a batter 1st base. Many managers would even invite a runner to steal 2nd base so the intentional walk is a viable option. Honestly, if you're willing to concede 2nd on a steal, why not intentionally walk a batter and create the situation you desire. It's unconventional but certainly has merit.

A common intentional walk occurs during a sacrifice bunt sequence. Teams often sacrifice a runner to 2nd base with 1 out. Following the sacrifice, many teams will choose to intentionally walk the next batter to set up a double play. This is the second most often occuring reason the intentional walk is given- to set up a double play.

Would you ever intentionally walk a run in? I think there are situations that exist that make this a feasible option. Let's say you're winning 5-3 late in the game. Bases are loaded and the best hitter comes to the plate. I suggest an intentional walk isn't a bad thought. Putting the batter on 1st creates a 5-4 game but it prevents the best hitter from getting a shot at tying the game. It's ok to move the go ahead run into scoring position if you're playing to win the game. Face another hitter and make him beat you rather than have the best hitter take his hacks.

You very seldom see this unconventional thinking, but at the high school level, I like the idea.