The Shift
Old-Timer
Senior Member
I would like to hear some opinions on the Baseball shift that's being played by all teams. Run production this year is down almost a full run. It was always said at least to my knowledge that if a team scored 5 runs it was a huge favorite to win that game and it seems even more so now. But, with less runs scored the game becomes a little boring even for your baseball fan that likes good pitched low scoring games as myself the game can lose fan support.
We know that most shifts are played against pull hitters (Duh) that are paid to drive in runs via extra base hits or the big fly.
So them slapping the ball to the empty side of the infield isn't going to happen.
IMO it's another check mark for the pitchers. One last thing that's a given and that's the reduced use of juice and I say reduced use. But if this continues and run scoring continues to decline it will eventually have a negative effect on baseball. That's MO anyway and it could be off base but it really bothers when I see 3/4 of the infield on one side.
We know that most shifts are played against pull hitters (Duh) that are paid to drive in runs via extra base hits or the big fly.
So them slapping the ball to the empty side of the infield isn't going to happen.
IMO it's another check mark for the pitchers. One last thing that's a given and that's the reduced use of juice and I say reduced use. But if this continues and run scoring continues to decline it will eventually have a negative effect on baseball. That's MO anyway and it could be off base but it really bothers when I see 3/4 of the infield on one side.
Comments
Today's high-tech info gives the defense plenty of pre-pitch preparation. Starters go approx 6, mid relief 2, and then closer. This middle guys are not just filling innings. All-in for 3-6 outs. The batters need more Ernesto Frieri's.
Solution? If trend continues, lower the mound elevation again and restrict exaggerated shifts.
For those that wanna ruin the game for the sake of run production? Givem aluminum bats:scare: