Another "situation" discussion

Teach your players to "read the bat" and know what your pitcher will throw.

 

Bob

The argument "for" infield in seems to make a stronger argument for infield at double-play depth.  

 - "A ball not hit at MIF would not get double play", but this ball wouldn't be fielded with infield-in anyway.  And with MIF back, maybe it would get the double play (it depends).

 - "A ball knocked down" with infield in might well have been a ball fielded cleanly (and double play) with MIF back.

 

And as you point out, having MIF back gives a better chance to catch short pop ups.

 

You didn't mention anything about the batter - was he a above average runner unlikely to be doubled-up?

average batter/runner

 

intentionally walk the batter!!!

It is largely going to depend on the speed of the hitter, righty or lefty, the type of hitter he is, what he has done today/in the series, and who you have throwing on the mound. A lot of the time you are going to ride your gut as well

There is no "right answer" given the two options without seeing the totality of everything.

Not sure there is a right answer because you're behind the 8 ball and putting down hill on an extreme angle. None of its pretty or in your favor to get the out.

For the casual fan I think everything you put - for & against - would make them happy with an explanation.

As for this and what I would do a lot would depend on my pitcher and how good he is.  If he's a power pitcher I'm going to play MIF about halfway and anything directly at them turn two. Anything not directly they are going home. But let's face it - anything over 2 steps the runner will be safe going home probably.

If he's not a power pitcher probably stay back and try to turn 2 on almost anything.

I don't know if there is a wrong answer.

Read the bat!

 

Bob

If you are coaching college level players and they cannot turn a DP, you are in trouble.  Play DP depth.  Anything hit to where you cannot turn a DP is most likely going to drive in the winning run anyway.  The only exception is a slow roller, where, playing IF in would allow you to get the out at home.  So, it comes down to...you are basing your defense on the probability of a slow roller?  Play at DP depth.