Corners on the lines or not?

Late in the game with a 1 run lead or tied, coaches will sometimes make a decision defensively that has a big impact on the outcome of the game.

Do I put my corner infielders on the line to protect against an extra base hit or do I leave them in normal position? Sure, there is more to a no doubles defense than the corner infielders but I treat a "no doubles" defense separately when it comes to defensive players.

I truly believe this is the equivalent to a prevent defense in football. You want to protect a lead so you guard against a big play. In the meantime, exposing yourself to the mundane single and sacrifice. It is definitely a debate that rages among managers late in the game. Every situation is different but I would suggest that guarding the lines is more detrimental than playing at normal depth.

Big innings occur when multiple hits/walks/ hit by pitches happen. And, usually these happen when a pitchers tempo is disrupted and he is forced into the uncomfortable stretch position. The mundane singe can do all of these things.

Leave the corner defenders in normal depth and let them defend against the larger part of the field. In the process, you take away more hits but maybe not the big hit.

If you watch a manager align his corner infielders late in the game it tells you an awful lot about the type of manager that he is.