Open debate, Shift or No Shift and the DH too.....

#2
#2
OldTimer said:
Personally, I don't care if a defense shifts, learn to hit the ball the other way, or drop down the dreaded bunt and teams will stop stacking one side of the playing field......
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Personally, I’d prefer to see the ball put into play. I do get the strategy of the shift, however.

I don’t remember where I read it, or I would post it, but it was a quote from Freddie Freeman. He said he’s expected it to be able to cover five different types of pitches which is hard enough already, so it’s not that easy to hit to beat the shift on top of that.
 
#4
#4
I’m torn. And, I know that’s not necessarily a great answer in a “debate” but I see the merits of both side.

I’ll say that for the longest time, I was a huge proponent of the shift. It’s just smart strategy and good scouting. Learn to beat it. Shorten your swing, slap it to the opposite field, and for the love of god if you’re Joey Gallo and the entire left side of the infield is vacant just bunt it down the 3rd base line. How hard can it be!?!

However, my opinion has definitely changed a bit. I don’t think the major league game relying on three true outcomes is healthy for the sport long term. I’d like to see the play in play more often, see teams running the bases, inject some more strategy into the game rather than hope you can poke one over the fence. I think it’s probably best for growing the fanbase, too. Strikeouts are at or near record highs. New fans don’t want to see strikeouts.
 
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#5
#5
I’m sitting on the fence too, like Switzerland. I agree that players should learn to use all fields. Or, maybe there could be an imaginary line from home plate to CF and the left side of the infield can shift but can’t go to the other side of the field and go on the other side of 2B. Same for the right side of the infield.
 
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#6
#6
Ban it. I want speed guys hitting ball on ground. Strike outs, hr, ground outs into shift are so boring. Wish they would move fence back to make hrs special again.
 
#8
#8
I'm all for the shift...if a team wants to put everyone on one side of the field, let them. Just like in football, if a team wants to overload one side of the line and blitz everyone from the right, they can. It's up to the QB, or batter, to make adjustments to the defense.
 
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#9
#9
I’m okay with the shift...it’s strategy...something lost in the modern game of baseball, imo. I miss the days when everyone in the lineup wasn’t a threat to hit one out every at bat and runs were mostly manufactured by advancing runners into scoring position and timely hitting.
 
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#10
#10
Pacer92 said:
I’m okay with the shift...it’s strategy...something lost in the modern game of baseball, imo. I miss the days when everyone in the lineup wasn’t a threat to hit one out every at bat and runs were mostly manufactured by advancing runners into scoring position and timely hitting.
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And now with the DH full time in the NL, strategy will suffer much more.
 
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#11
#11
I'm a fan because it makes sense if a guy is pull all the way. I just don't understand why they don't teach those guys to bunt (don't shoot me txbo) to stop it. I don't understand why the defense shifts at times and then the pitchers throw outside.
 
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#12
#12
I prefer a straight shift, you're not really driving otherwise.

Uh, we are talking about cars aren't we?
 
#14
#14
I concur, to combat the shift, learn to hit it where they aint. Jared Dickey did a masterful job of that the other night against JMU.

Baseball is a game of strategy. No other game has as much information and metrics used for predicting outcomes or playing the percentages. The outfield shifts all the time. The infield shifts for situations all the time as well, (i.e. bunts, double play, to prevent a run, etc.). Heck the catcher typically changes his stance when there's a runner on first, or used to. Pitchers pitch from the wind up with no one on, or from the stretch with runs on. Some pitchers change where they stand side to side on the rubber. Pitchers throw certain pitches to help direct the out come, such as throw in low to force a grounder when there's a man on first. It's all playing the percentages.

My frustration is with the batters not learning to take advantage of the shift. The other team is showing you your weakness. If offensive players refuse to adjust, shift the entire team to one side.

Adjusting ones batting approach to a 95 plus mph baseball is not easy. But spend time the cage perfecting it. Even if you fail, you most likely were going to hit it right to the defender anyway. I don't see the down side of trying.
 
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#15
#15
OldTimer said:
Personally, I don't care if a defense shifts, learn to hit the ball the other way, or drop down the dreaded bunt and teams will stop stacking one side of the playing field......
Click to expand...

Yep, leave the damn game alone. The shift allows players like Dickey to show off their incredible skills. We've watched him hit for average and power but I was most impressed with watching him go opposite field to beat the shift last week.
 
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#17
#17
preacherman20 said:
I'm a fan because it makes sense if a guy is pull all the way. I just don't understand why they don't teach those guys to bunt (don't shoot me txbo) to stop it. I don't understand why the defense shifts at times and then the pitchers throw outside.
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I'm actually cool with bunting into the shift. I'm a big fan of "hit 'em where they aint". It's a skill and the shift let's it shine.
 
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#18
#18
OldTimer said:
I'm torn with the DH, I like the strategy it creates by having a pitcher hit however I also don't like seeing pitchers who can't hit a lick either....
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It takes time to adjust but when the Astros got moved to AL, I just took it in stride.
 
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