Middle infielders. One in, one back.

Typically, when the middle infielders come in they come in as a unit. Their sole purpose is to cut the run down at the plate. But, is their a time when one should come in while the other one stays back. You don't see it much but I think there absolutely is a time and a place for it.

The idea of moving one middle infielder in while keeping the other infielder back places a supreme understanding on the type of pitcher that is on the mound. Knowing the type of pitch that is being thrown can help to determine where you would like your middle infielders.

Let's first understand that there are two distinct types of ground balls.

1)There is the hard hit ground ball where the bat simply makes contact above the center line of the ball. Contact was made in a tight position at contact and the ball is hit very hard.

2) There is a rollover ground ball. This is the ground ball where the arms get a little extended at contact and the barrel rolls over the top of the ball and dribbles one in the infield. The point of emphasis here is rollover ground balls are always pulled on the ground.

When the infield comes in, the second type of ground ball is certainly the preferred ground ball. In fact, the pitcher should be attempting to induce such a ground ball.

So, here's the moral of the story. If the pitcher is a rollover candidate, move your pull side middle infielder in and keep your opposite middle infielder back. This allows the hard hit ground ball to fielded and an out recorded. It also allows the rollover ground ball to be fielded by an "in position" infielder. This might prevent a run from scoring.

Does moving these infielders in this way seem like "having your cake and eating it too." In other words, is this defense attempting to record an out and also take away the play at the plate. YES.

Is it unconventional? YES.

Does it have merit based upon the understanding of your pitcher and the types of ground balls that are hit? YES.

Besides, it makes for a difficult read for the runner at 3B.

One in and one back is being considered more and more in professional baseball. Is it always the most preferred defense? Not necessarily. But, it needs to at least be considered.