Should I show the sacrifice bunt early?

One debate that I have encountered is the idea of whether or not the sacrifice bunt should be tipped early or not. The answer lies simply with how prepared is the bunter to handle the defense when it reacts.

With a man on 1st and the bunter squares early, the 1B technically should hold his ground as to hold the runner on 1st. If the bunter knows that the ball should go to the 1B then it doesn't matter when the bunter squares. However, if the ball gets bunted at the 3B then the offense is at a distinct disadvantage. One other point of emphasis here. Many times early squares indicate that the "slash" play might be on. This is one instance where an offense should not slash. Regardless, of the 3B depth. If the batter squares early and the 1B crashes the runner at 1st should gain some ground to shorten his running distance.

With a man on 1B and 2B the early square has more significance. There are quite a few defenses that could be employed here. An early square team better be adept at "reading" the defense or they become vulnerable to some plays. Squaring early in a forced bunt situation with a man on 2nd says that the batter knows he's bunting the ball at the 3B. If the SS rotates to cover 3B and the 3B crashes then the batter may pull the bat back and slash. Usually the "early square" in this situation screams slash.

If there is a man on just 2nd, the more aggressive bunt defenses don't apply. Simply because the runner is not forced. An early square here indicates that the bunter knows he's going to 3B with the ball. If the 3B charges the steal might be in order. He should hold his ground.

What if a batter squares early with a man on 3rd? That's for another time as that doesn't fall under the auspices of a sacrifice.