The Infield shift changing the game?

Kruser6 · Jun 25, 2005

Just watched Thome get robbed out of a line drive which would have been a single for almost ANYBODY else because the Sox had the 3rd baseman playing up the middle and so on. These guys are major league baseball players, why can't they learn to go the opposite way!

Will a batter like Thome or bonds ever be the same with these defensive strategies?

CAPNCRUNCH · Jun 25, 2005

What about Ted Williams?:toast: Bonds has a lot more to worry about than shifts in the infield, how about a new brand of Kool-Ade?

wilheim · Jun 25, 2005

The shift has been around forever, the "Williams shift," stacking the defense on the right side of the diamond, thereby daring Williams to pull the ball was first employed by Indians manager Lou Beadreau during the middle of the '46 season after Williams had clubbed three homers in the first game of a doubleheader, it challenged Williams by placing as many as six fielders in his hitting zone. Although Williams occasionally went to left field - he clinched the 1946 pennant with an inside-the-park home run to left against Cleveland - more often than not he responded by driving the ball to right field. The shift became an almost standard defensive alignment against Williams in the AL, and it undoubtedly whittled his lifetime average.

wil.

CHOPTALK · Jun 25, 2005

If Barry Bonds would have wanted to hit .500 and have 162 game hitting streak he could have easily. All he would have to do is bunt the ball down the 3rd base line everytime. It would be a sure base hit.

CAPNCRUNCH · Jun 25, 2005

choptalk said:
If Barry Bonds would have wanted to hit .500 and have 162 game hitting streak he could have easily. All he would have to do is bunt the ball down the 3rd base line everytime. It would be a sure base hit.

I could never figure out why Bonds got so many walks, why waste 3 extra pitches? Hit his ass with the first one!:lolBIG: P.S. It's not like anyone would care!