Originally Posted by old_school:
We use it quite a bit assuming .... there is average or better speed on 3b.
With slow speed on 3b, the contact play sometimes allows him to score on an infield groundball that he otherwise couldn't score on. And, if he's out at the plate, you're re-loading 3b with r2 who maybe is a faster baserunner. A consolation prize.
Example: No outs, a very slow R3 is out at the plate on the contact play, now I've got one out and a faster r3 replacing him, with better chances to score on both a gb, wp/pb, and a sac fly.