The "slash"- when to use it.

The slash or fake bunt and hit is a fundamental offensive baseball play. But, when to use the slash is often misunderstood. Here is when it should be used.

The slash should be used when the opportunity to hit the ball through a rotated infield is at its highest. More than likely, what this means is that the shortstop and the 2B have moved to a corner position and there is a very good chance that a swing will hit a ground ball through a vacated area.

In almost every instance it is when there are runners on 1st and 2nd. In this situation, the SS and the 2B could be moving to another base. This would allow the middle of the field to open up providing an opportunity to shoot the ball through an area.

Another instance where you could do it is if you have a runner on 1st and you start him in a "hit and run" scenario. In this scenario, one of those infielders must leave his position and cover the bag. This makes for some more holes for the hitter.

The one situation that the slash should not be used but is used by novice baseball people is when there is just a runner on 1st. Some coaches think that if the 3B moves close to the batter to take the bunt away that a slash could be in order. Here's the problem with this thinking. The middle infielders could still be in double play depth. The last thing you would want to do is hit a routine ground ball that results in a double play simply because the 3B crashed. I mean, just bunt the ball to the 1B if the 3B crashes.

Simply put, the slash should only be used if you anticipate the middle infielders moving out of position. Typically you see it in 1st and 2nd or 1st w/ a runner moving.