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9 replies

When will MLB players learn how to cover the bag?

S soxnole1,000+ posts
Now that the Yankees have lost a post season game because of it, when will these guys (and coaches) get it right.

When Cano covered on the sac bunt wednesday night(LA/NY)..the ball pulled him off the bag by about 2-4 inches. He was "giving a better target", squared away, with his LEFT foot on the bag.

This is WRONG!....the end result is what matters and the runner was safe, causing the Yankees to lose the game!

If the ball is fielded within 10-15' of the plate...OK I understand the "target" thing. Any other force play, at any base requires that the person covering uses the foot oppisite his glove hand in order to gain the additional 2 feet to stretch with.

The same play almost cost the White Sox on the same day. Konerko is iffy enough at 1st without giving up 24" or more to make sure of an out.

We now see, on a regular basis, the middle infielders stretching the wrong way on close force plays, sometimes resulting in the runner being called safe! Occasionally for safety and because of momentum it must happen, but to teach this stuff and continue to let it happen is pure folly.

Try it sometime! By using the wrong foot, much of your coordination is lost along with the 18-30" depending on the man involved.
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hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
I'll buy that the problem with covering first base is in the execution, not the coaching, but I am constantly appalled at how badly major leaguers bunt. One of my all-time heros, Cal himself, looked downright silly whenever he squared around.

Our high school program works on bunts of all types at some point in every practice (base hit, down the line, push to second baseman, etc.), and every year, if you look at the game details, 2-3 wins are largely due to an effective bunt at the right time. At least 10 times a year, with a runner on second, first pitch to next batter-fake bunt. If 3b charges, runner steals third. If 3b stays back, next pitch is a bunt for real right down the line, guaranteed single. Works against the same schools every year.

Maybe that's not a play worthy of MLB'ers, but their bunting skills overall are very poor. Last night, a better placed bunt puts the tying run on second for Chicago with one out.


I know some of the speed merchants have good bunting skills, but the average guy up there doesn't do a very good job of it.
B Bee>1,000+ posts
I'm getting a hint of our hometown situation
quote:
Akron Beacon Journal: "(Indians) General manager Mark Shapiro isn't ready to talk about specific problems, but he did say this: "Some of it is because this is still a young team. But you also have to ask if fundamental play in baseball is down everywhere, or is this just our team? I don't want to hold our guys to an unfair standard." (my bold)


I'll try to find Mgr Wedge's statement that they don't work much on fundamentals because the guys are supposed to have 'em by the time they get to the majors - - followed by Shapiro's continued brilliance that players should be fundamentaly sound before they become pros

Eek
Last edited by Bee>
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
Bee:

Why is it that the player with solid fundamental skills stands out? Shouldn't it be the reverse?

Soxnole has made a good observation and this has resulted in a great topic.

It's frustrating to watch MLB players execute poorly regardless of whether they're on your team or the opposing team!

The loudest groans in our house come from our kids (who play the game)and know when a mistake has been made.

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