Double play depth-always?

Runner on 1st and less than two outs. Do we always go to double play depth?

Naturally, players will think "turn two" and put themselves in a situation that allows themselves to turn a double play.

However, what if the prudent play isn't to be in double play depth? Let me explain.

You have a 4-1 lead and it's the last inning. Sure it would be nice to turn a double play but it would also be nice to record outs and walk away with a win. Let's presume that a batter is up that charts say hits the ball in the "6 hole". Do you put your shortstop up the middle and take him away from the batters strength? I suggest that the prudent decision in this case would be to shade the SS into the hole and play for at least one out. If the batter hits the ball to the right side, there stands a very good chance that there would be no play at 2B. But, by playing the percentages of the chart you allow your defense a chance to record at least one very important out.

What other factors determine where the SS should play?

Certainly, the kind of pitcher that is on the mound would have a great deal of say into where your infielders should be located. Off speed pitchers would be more conducive to shading the shortstop to the 6 hole.

One last point of interest.

You could certainly move the middle infielders in tandem. This would keep the double play in order in most cases. But, it needs to be weighed with the idea of a possible bunt. You don't want your 2B too far over to 2B making the push bunt a very attractive option. Furthermore, if a bunt is layed down and the 1B is forced to field the ball the 2B does have bag responsibility.

Just another baseball play to consider.