Guys,
How many steps off the line do you like to see your third baseman? (approximately)
Please assume: Standard straightup positioning with a RHB at the plate; no situational variables.
I often see our opponent's 3B's play what I consider to be too close to the line.
On my own teams, I believe most of my 3B's would play closer to the line if I let them.
Thanks.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
5
How tall and quick he is would factor into the answer?
5 strides off and 5 steps behind the back is standard positioning. This should allow for a 1 step and a layout to the line.
I like my 3B's playing at least 5 steps off the line. More balls are hit in the 6 hole than down the line. Ideally, they are 7+ steps off the line.
Also have to consider arm strength and quickness of who is playing 3B. Have to consider who is hitting, especially if he is a bunter. And vitally important to consider the situation. No doubles defense means don't get beat down the line.
On the west coast, good baseball teams play their third baseman near the baseline. Against good teams if you are playing 5 steps behind the baseline, you are giving away bunt singles. Also, every diamond and infield plays differently.you usually dont want to play with the edge of the grass in front of you. either get back away from the edge or get on the edge. super fast infield, you can play back. slow infield, stay up. depending on situation you can cheat the 5-6 hole. Pitching and the opposing hitters will also dictate where you set up. Sorry, no standardized place to play, but to me baseball defense is dynamic, and every pitch your position may be different.
Does anyone remember Al Rosen, the great 3b with the Cleveland Indians. When he as the GM of the SF Giants I had an opportunity to ask about his style of playing 3b.
Al played "deep" almost on the OF grass and on every pitched walked in toward the batter. This allowed his feet to be moving with quick actions left or right. "Quick feet". Of course he had 5 broken nose.
Actually the result of his "boxing" in College.
Bob
I'll throw in SS range, positioning / what batter in order, speed of hitter, threat of bunt.
Reminder, guys, the OP's question was with variables eliminated. We could go on for days with variables. Great fun, but...
Depends on his range and the SS range. Generally it is better to have a ball go by you in the hole because a ball going past you down the line is usually a double and a ball in the hole usually just a single but you don't want to waste range by playing too close to the line.
