Saturday, July 5, 2008

Runner on 1B. Fake steal and bunt for a hit.

With a runner on 1B, there are some interesting dynamics that occur that a good offensive team might be able to take advantage of. With less than two outs, the middle infielders must "shorten up" so they could potentially turn a double play. The 1B must also hold the runner on 1B. These two things allow the batter to have an advantage if he's willing to take advantage of it.

The 1B can't move in on the batter because he's holding the runner.

The 2B could have the bag on a potential steal.

So, a very creative offensive strategy is to fake a steal and then push bunt for a hit. By faking a steal, the 2B must cheat to the bag in case the runner actually breaks. This creates a bigger hole for the bunter.

The bunter then bunts the ball hard enough to get it past the pitcher into that huge hole between the 2B and the 1B.

In order to have this play be a realistic signal you need a sign for a fake steal followed by a bunt for a hit. Now, if both signs are given with hand signals you could be in trouble. I would think that either or both of these signals would have to be given by a basic gesture.

I like the play. It puts a ton of pressure on the defense.

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