Guys:
Seems like there are situations that the "baseball text book" says to bunt, in which situations should a defense be expecting it. By contrast, offensively, which situations should a team always be bunting?
CF Dad
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Bunting a runner over from 1st is likely in a close game, up or down a few or less runs, no out, a hitter that is capable of executing. More likely with a small hitter who is not likely to hit the gap. More likely with a fast runner who may be able to convert to a bunt hit. Less likely with a stud hitter capable of frequent extra base hits. More likely late in the game, but with the new bats, I think you'll see this more often throughout a close game. Some disagree but I always like getting my first runner in scoring position right from the start unless you have a pretty good idea it's going to be a high scoring game.
If down by more than one run late, you don't want to trade outs to move a runner.
If you have one standout hitter, it doesn't always make sense to bunt over the guy in front of him as he may get intentionally walked or at least allows the opponent to pitch more carefully to him with 1b open.
Bunting a guy over from 2nd to 3rd with no out has more variables. Can hitter hit behind runner well? Is hitter a better hitter or bunter? Who are the hitters behind him?
I'm not big on sacrificing via bunt with 1 out unless it's a weak hitter who happens to bunt well.
Hitters capable of bunting for a hit should always consider it and should be aware of 3b arm and athleticism, 3b positioning, P athleticism and which way P falls off the mound.
If down by more than one run late, you don't want to trade outs to move a runner.
If you have one standout hitter, it doesn't always make sense to bunt over the guy in front of him as he may get intentionally walked or at least allows the opponent to pitch more carefully to him with 1b open.
Bunting a guy over from 2nd to 3rd with no out has more variables. Can hitter hit behind runner well? Is hitter a better hitter or bunter? Who are the hitters behind him?
I'm not big on sacrificing via bunt with 1 out unless it's a weak hitter who happens to bunt well.
Hitters capable of bunting for a hit should always consider it and should be aware of 3b arm and athleticism, 3b positioning, P athleticism and which way P falls off the mound.
The most likely bunt situation is R1/R2/no-outs, except if the three or four hitter is up. (I often call for a bunt in the latter situation; most don't.)
The above is even more likely with a LH batter at the plate.
A fairly common bunt-for-base-hit scenario is push bunts towards third by LH batters. With older players, and pitch speeds from 75-90mph, RH batter attempts to bunt towards third are low probability--often botched foul, or back to the pitcher.
As an offensive coach, I dedicate serious practice time to bunting, primarily for saccing with R1/R2/no-outs and for squeezes. I emphasize the importance of our projecting our ability and willingness to bunt because of its terrorism value (small threat, large effect).
Conversely, as a defensive coach, I minimize the value of the bunt-- to minimize its terrorism value. IMO, the no. 1 defense against the bunt is an athletic pitcher.
Lucky for my teams, most coaches talk about bunting but are reluctant to flash the sign.
The above is even more likely with a LH batter at the plate.
A fairly common bunt-for-base-hit scenario is push bunts towards third by LH batters. With older players, and pitch speeds from 75-90mph, RH batter attempts to bunt towards third are low probability--often botched foul, or back to the pitcher.
As an offensive coach, I dedicate serious practice time to bunting, primarily for saccing with R1/R2/no-outs and for squeezes. I emphasize the importance of our projecting our ability and willingness to bunt because of its terrorism value (small threat, large effect).
Conversely, as a defensive coach, I minimize the value of the bunt-- to minimize its terrorism value. IMO, the no. 1 defense against the bunt is an athletic pitcher.
Lucky for my teams, most coaches talk about bunting but are reluctant to flash the sign.
Are we talking Sacrifice Bunt or any possible bunt?
