True/False? Small-ball develops better baseball fundamentals, including defensive.

[VolsFan-TX]

I think long mid range jump shots would be the analogy to bunts. Three point shots the analogy to dingers.

My point was the switch from small-ball to long-ball is similar to the switch from inside game to 3-pt game in basketball.

 

[VolBallGuy]

Small ball only wins championships if you have a few guys with big balls,a few guys who can hit the big balls, and a couple of guys who can keep the other teams bat away from balls. You need all of it for championships.

 

[Halph66]

How many different ways are there to get on base?

23 ways.

1. A batter is pitched four balls and is given a walk to first base; a ball is a pitch that doesn't enter the strike zone.
2. A pitcher deliberately throws four balls so as to issue an intentional walk and improve the chance of getting outs.
3. A batter is touched by a pitched ball he's not trying to hit with his bat.
4. Interference, either to the batter or the bat, by the catcher.
5. Interference, either to the batter or the bat, by a fielder.
6. A catcher fails to catch the third strike thrown by the pitcher.
7. Batter hits a fair ball and the ball touches an umpire in fair territory before touching a fielder.
8. Batter hits a fair ball and the ball touches a runner before touching a fielder.
9. A fielder's choice play, allowing a batter to reach first base because a player in the field tried to get another base runner out. For example, a batter hits a ground ball stopped by a fielder who throws to second base to tag the runner from first and then throws to first for a double play. If the batter makes it to first before the throw, the batter is safe (but does not get a hit).
10. A hit (of course!)
11. Via a pinch runner (a player who is substituted for the player at bat because the at-bat player is slowed by injury).
12. Force out at another base.
13. Preceding runner put out (tagged out) allows batter to reach first.
14. Runner called out on appeal. MLB gives this example: "Batter hits a ground ball which an infielder throws into the stands but the batter-runner missed first base. He may be called out on appeal for missing first base after the ball is put in play even though he was awarded second base. If a runner is forced to return to a base after a catch, he must retouch his original base even though, because of some ground rule or other rule, he is awarded additional bases. He may retouch while the ball is dead and the award is then made from his original base."
15. An error, which is a mistake by a fielder that allows a batter to reach first base, and could include a dropped fly ball or throwing error.
16. Four illegal pitches thrown by a pitcher; an illegal pitch is one thrown to the batter when the pitcher's pivot foot is not in contact with the pitcher's plate or he makes a too-quick return pitch before the batter has time to set up.
17. A pitcher who purposely delays and doesn't deliver the pitch within 20 seconds.
18. A game is suspended with a runner on first (maybe for rain) and that player is traded to another team before the makeup; another player can take his place.
19. A sacrifice fly, also known as a sac fly, is dropped by a fielder. For a batter to get to first with a sacrificial fly, there must be fewer than two outs in the inning, the ball must go into the outfield and instead of being caught for an immediate out, it is dropped, yet still causes a runner on base to score. (Hence the name, the batter is making a "sacrifice" so a teammate can score a run).
20. A sacrifice bunt, or sac bunt, fails to advance a runner; instead, the advancing runner is "out," allowing the batter to reach first.
21. The batter-turned-runner's path is obstructed by a fielder on the way to first base, but only if the batter's hit would have otherwise been sufficient for him to reach first base had he not been obstructed.
22. Spectator interference A spectator who reaches from the stands or enters the playing field and touches a live ball or otherwise hinders a fielder commits spectator interference. A spectator who runs on the field and tackles a base runner or otherwise hinders a runner is guilty of fan obstruction. These almost always result in the ump sending the batter to first base.
23. fan obstruction: similar to above.

 

[cardvolfan]

Bunting is always a great skill set to have. It can be developed with a bunch of work and practice. Jaslove looks like a great bunter.

 

[ksgovols]

So "small ball" is a term that necessarily mean bunting, not just hit-and-run calls to advance baserunners?

Guess I'm already learning...

Small ball definitely includes bunting, but it doesn't have to be exclusive to bunting. Advancing baserunners by bunting, stealing, hitting behind runners, manipulating 2 man umpire rotations are all part of getting them on, getting them over to 2nd and getting them in. It's as old as baseball.

What sabermetrics has observed as that small ball is like playing blackjack. You're going to be unsuccessful as much or more than you're successful depending on the execution of the play. Playing the percentages of a 3 run homer versus base to base philosophy.

At the highly skilled levels of baseball, small ball is less likely to be as successful as in the lower levels. It's a tool every baseball coach should have in his bag and every young player should learn how to bunt, hit behind runners, read pitchers to steal a base, knowing when they can cut the corner rounding third, etc. In younger age groups, it's a lot of fun to watch a team dismantle a more talented team by mastering the fundamentals of small ball and frustrating the bigger and stronger kids. There's a science to it. Forcing the defense to make 2 good throws, making a big boy on the mound have to field 2 or 3 bunts in an inning, wearing a catcher out that's lazy behind the plate, 1st and 3rd baserunning strategy, fake bunt- swing away. Good small ball coaches can steal games from way more talented teams at lower age groups. It's a lot of fun.

How do you defend squeeze plays. 1. Throw inside on a right handed batter as inside of the batter's box. He wears one and the buy is still on third or it's catch and tag for your catcher. 2. Bounce the pitch off the catcher's chest protector. Takes a little more skill, but works more often than not.

One high school coach that I really respect simplified it by saying 'Win the inning'. If they don't score, you need to by whatever means necessary. When they score, try to score more. Sounds easy until you pop up 3 times with a man on 2nd. My favorite play in baseball is right fielder throwing baserunners out at third. A lot of things have to be executed correctly for it to happen even if the guy has a cannon, which he should if he's in right field.......

 

[tombowalker]

Interesting stat. I'm going to guess that modern analytics discourage the practice.

Yep.

And when you look at the numbers, it certainly makes sense.

When you trade an out to get a runner into scoring position, run expectancy actually drops.

 

[VolPack22]

23 ways.

1. A batter is pitched four balls and is given a walk to first base; a ball is a pitch that doesn't enter the strike zone.
2. A pitcher deliberately throws four balls so as to issue an intentional walk and improve the chance of getting outs.
3. A batter is touched by a pitched ball he's not trying to hit with his bat.
4. Interference, either to the batter or the bat, by the catcher.
5. Interference, either to the batter or the bat, by a fielder.
6. A catcher fails to catch the third strike thrown by the pitcher.
7. Batter hits a fair ball and the ball touches an umpire in fair territory before touching a fielder.
8. Batter hits a fair ball and the ball touches a runner before touching a fielder.
9. A fielder's choice play, allowing a batter to reach first base because a player in the field tried to get another base runner out. For example, a batter hits a ground ball stopped by a fielder who throws to second base to tag the runner from first and then throws to first for a double play. If the batter makes it to first before the throw, the batter is safe (but does not get a hit).
10. A hit (of course!)
11. Via a pinch runner (a player who is substituted for the player at bat because the at-bat player is slowed by injury).
12. Force out at another base.
13. Preceding runner put out (tagged out) allows batter to reach first.
14. Runner called out on appeal. MLB gives this example: "Batter hits a ground ball which an infielder throws into the stands but the batter-runner missed first base. He may be called out on appeal for missing first base after the ball is put in play even though he was awarded second base. If a runner is forced to return to a base after a catch, he must retouch his original base even though, because of some ground rule or other rule, he is awarded additional bases. He may retouch while the ball is dead and the award is then made from his original base."
15. An error, which is a mistake by a fielder that allows a batter to reach first base, and could include a dropped fly ball or throwing error.
16. Four illegal pitches thrown by a pitcher; an illegal pitch is one thrown to the batter when the pitcher's pivot foot is not in contact with the pitcher's plate or he makes a too-quick return pitch before the batter has time to set up.
17. A pitcher who purposely delays and doesn't deliver the pitch within 20 seconds.
18. A game is suspended with a runner on first (maybe for rain) and that player is traded to another team before the makeup; another player can take his place.
19. A sacrifice fly, also known as a sac fly, is dropped by a fielder. For a batter to get to first with a sacrificial fly, there must be fewer than two outs in the inning, the ball must go into the outfield and instead of being caught for an immediate out, it is dropped, yet still causes a runner on base to score. (Hence the name, the batter is making a "sacrifice" so a teammate can score a run).
20. A sacrifice bunt, or sac bunt, fails to advance a runner; instead, the advancing runner is "out," allowing the batter to reach first.
21. The batter-turned-runner's path is obstructed by a fielder on the way to first base, but only if the batter's hit would have otherwise been sufficient for him to reach first base had he not been obstructed.
22. Spectator interference A spectator who reaches from the stands or enters the playing field and touches a live ball or otherwise hinders a fielder commits spectator interference. A spectator who runs on the field and tackles a base runner or otherwise hinders a runner is guilty of fan obstruction. These almost always result in the ump sending the batter to first base.
23. fan obstruction: similar to above.

24. Whenever umpires review a play and still get it wrong.

 

[VolPack22]

Bunting is always a great skill set to have. It can be developed with a bunch of work and practice. Jaslove looks like a great bunter.

Never know when you need to commit a suicide squeeze.

 

[Aerie Vol]

Never know when you need to commit a suicide squeeze.

Suicide squeeze - Aka "caught stealing at home" with most current players bunting capabilities.

 

[VolPack22]

Suicide squeeze - Aka "caught stealing at home" with most current players bunting capabilities.

Unfortunately. I bat left handed so I actually enjoyed bunting practice because I liked drag bunting. It made it more fun for me than just squaring around. I was taught to be a singles/doubles hitter. If you hit a home run, great, but that wasn’t the objective back then. It was to make good contact and get on base. I liked having those .600+ batting averages growing up in rec ball.

 

[cardvolfan]

Never know when you need to commit a suicide squeeze.

While I’ve seen a number of suicide squeezes in my life, and they are exciting, I do love a nicely executed safety squeeze. When you have a really good bunter at the plate, it’s pretty near indefensible.

However, give me the long ball over the manufacturing runs any day of the week. I haven’t really kept up with the exact numbers, but it seems our bats have been pretty good with the SO’s so far. Anybody remember?

 

[cardvolfan]

Just answered my own question. We are striking out 7.33 times per game so far, as compared to 8.30 times per game last season.

 

[Aerie Vol]

I haven’t really kept up with the exact numbers, but it seems our bats have been pretty good with the SO’s so far. Anybody remember?

We including Moore's stats, or not??

I kid, I kid. Love the guy. He's a great player, just not seeing the ball right now. It happens.

Big thing is our power hitters make good contact. That's a dangerous offensive combination.

 

[VolPack22]

Just answered my own question. We are striking out 7.33 times per game so far, as compared to 8.30 times per game last season.

Have to remember we haven’t entered conference play though. I imagine those K’s are going to go up with all the great pitching in the SEC. It usually evens out. They do seem to be doing a better job of not chasing though.

 

[cardvolfan]

We including Moore's stats, or not??

I kid, I kid. Love the guy. He's a great player, just not seeing the ball right now. It happens.

Big thing is our power hitters make good contact. That's a dangerous offensive combination.

Yeah, I think the scouting book on Moore is “throw junk” and nothing else. I have been impressed with our guys contact rates and hard contact success. Most of those balls put in play have been spanked by our guys.

I do think when Moore adjusts, it’s going to be lights out.

 

[cardvolfan]

Have to remember we haven’t entered conference play though. I imagine those K’s are going to go up with all the great pitching in the SEC. It usually evens out. They do seem to be doing a better job of not chasing though.

Yeah, I thought the same. I suspect that rate will end up being slightly higher than last year’s.

 

[preacherman20]

I’m guessing no one saw Chuck leading team in batting average and HRs at any point this season. He joked last night he had more hits in one game than all of last year. No one outworks the kid.

 

[txbo]

I’m guessing no one saw Chuck leading team in batting average and HRs at any point this season. He joked last night he had more hits in one game than all of last year. No one outworks the kid.

My wife and I were talking about that last night. I couldn't be happier for him.

 

[VolPack22]

I’m guessing no one saw Chuck leading team in batting average and HRs at any point this season. He joked last night he had more hits in one game than all of last year. No one outworks the kid.

Respect the grind. You can tell the kid put in work.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I’m guessing no one saw Chuck leading team in batting average and HRs at any point this season. He joked last night he had more hits in one game than all of last year. No one outworks the kid.

He seems like a good kid. The way he stepped in for ER last year in the regionals, I hope he busts out big time.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Earl Weaver, manager of the Baltimore Orioles, refused to bunt to sacrifice an out to move a leadoff runner over from first to second. He said if you play for one run that's all you'll get. And he produced analytical stats to prove his point. We was ahead of the curve on analytics. He famously believed in playing for the 3 run homer.

However, I believe there are times to bunt for a base hit, and that if you can be a good bunter, you should be. When the third baseman or first baseman or pitcher pay no attention to the possibility of a bunt, then bunt it at em to get on base. Next time you're up, they'll pull in the defense and give you a decent chance to hit it by them. Make them pay for playing too deep on you. Or bunt away from a shift to make them pay for that. And I wouldn't classify these kinds of bunts as small ball. I'd call it smart ball.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Earl Weaver, manager of the Baltimore Orioles, refused to bunt to sacrifice an out to move a leadoff runner over from first to second. He said if you play for one run that's all you'll get. And he produced analytical stats to prove his point. We was ahead of the curve on analytics. He famously believed in playing for the 3 run homer.

However, I believe there are times to bunt for a base hit, and that if you can be a good bunter, you should be. When the third baseman or first baseman or pitcher pay no attention to the possibility of a bunt, then bunt it at em to get on base. Next time you're up, they'll pull in the defense and give you a decent chance to hit it by them. Make them pay for playing too deep on you. Or bunt away from a shift to make them pay for that. And I wouldn't classify these kinds of bunts as small ball. I'd call it smart ball.

Against the shift would be a great opportunity to use a bunt, if you have the skill, especially for a lefty.

 

[BigOrangeCrush32]

I love small ball. I'm of the coaching mindset that if I have a speedster up to bat, especially a Lefty, he has the automatic go to lay a bunt down the 3rd baseline if the 3rd basemen is playing off/back. Not a square early bunt but a quick bunt or bunt and run, that's what we called it, everyone else says Drag bunt. No debate about it, just do it. Even with runners on.

 

[BigOrangeCrush32]

I see your point but I guess I have a broader spectrum that I count as small ball. Certainly bunting plays a major role.

I was out of baseball (fandom) after the late 90s strike. Buncha overpaid primadonas back then and it really turned me off. I had literally watched most every minute of Braves baseball in some of the 80s seasons. Yes, they sucked.

Anyway, my prototypical small ball team was the mid-80s Cardinals. Huge stadium, concrete astroturf. Blazing speed everywhere. Steals, bunts, slap hits, no homers. But they'd score 6-7 per game and we're nigh unstoppable.

Perhaps this informs OP's question. Small ball needs speed. Speed equals distance covered in the field. Outfielders catch gappers that would have been a double vs teams loaded with hulking home run hitters. Jose Canseco, for example. Who would hit it out, but might also occasionally assist the opposing ball with clearing the wall.


Edited PS. I went 20 years with giving no rips whatsoever about the game. The 2021 BaseVols helped me rekindle my love for the sport. I'll never forget em.

It's Pre Madonna, duh.

 

[6-4-3]

Edited PS. I went 20 years with giving no rips whatsoever about the game. The 2021 BaseVols helped me rekindle my love for the sport. I'll never forget em.

Agreed. The 2021 team was special. They paved the way for the 2022 team to do what they did, they were responsible for putting UT baseball back on the map, the reason for the renovation plan, and the biggest factor in Vitello getting a raise and extension. That’s why he still gets emotional when he talks about that team. I will always remember that special group as well.