Cecil Cooper (manager of the Astros) made the comment following a bunt attempt by Lance Berkman in the bottom of the ninth down four. When asked of the play by the media following the game Cooper said that he had no problem with the play because home runs can be rally killers. Huh?
Of course the media crucified him. Their angle was how can home runs be rally killers when home runs score runs?
Here is what he meant.
When runners are on base, infielders "shorten up." That is the 1B might have to hold the runner on opening up the "4" hole. Middle infielders may have to move nearer to 2B in double play depth. Furthermore, the 3B must always be cognizant of when a bunt attempt might be an option.
That's what Cecil Cooper was referring to.
His comment spoke to the fact that Berkman's bunt attempt kept the infielders shortened up. A home run would clear the bases and give the infielders a chance to back up and improve their range.
Having said all that, Cecil Cooper was protecting his player. I guarantee you that he wanted Berkman to swing away. He just wasn't going to say that in the media.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment