a runner at third is more important in my mind
i certainly agree with the logic. simply saying 3/4/5 are usually poor bunters; thus the managers being reluctant to take the bat out of their hands unless theyre confident they can get it down. in a perfect world, all major leaguers can drop perfect bunts down. but the reality is that berkman and ensberg arent going to get it down consistently.
then take them out. fundamentals are so f*ing poor it is a joke.
so then you pull berkman or ensberg for a pinch hitter.
lets say the bunt is successful.
run still doesnt end up scoring.
then youve compounded the mistake.
trust me, i agree that lots of batting fundamentals are poor. indians happen to be one of the worst bunting teams in the big leagues. but you have to also have faith that ensberg can either deliver a hit or control the bat well enough to get the runner over to 3rd without a bunt.