Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Man on 2nd only. Hit and run?

Is it sound strategy to consider a hit and run with a runner on 2nd? Let's analyze it a bit further.

There is one out and a man on 2nd. You're at the bottom of the order. A hit and run?

The premise of the hit and run is to advance a runner into scoring position, stay out of a double play and to open holes in the middle of the infield. Hitting and running with a runner at 2nd accomplishes none of those aforementioned goals. So, why do it?

Actually, it can be done to accomplish a different goal. To score the runner from 2nd base.

The runner starts when he realizes the pitcher is going home. The batter protects the runner by hitting the ball on the ground. As the infielder fields the ball, the runner simply rounds 3B and heads home. Depending on the arm strengths of the infielders would be a determination of whether or not this play would be sound judgement.

It's an unusual baseball concept, but it's one that certainly has some merit.

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