Is bunting considered "old softball"

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Jun 8, 2016
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In general teams should be constructed such that on average, they align with the larger population statistics. However, from a run probability perspective the players who are at the (bad) tail of the offensive run production probability curves should a) provide a large amount of run-saving probability on defense and b) should be able to play small ball.
 
May 17, 2012
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Bunting is hard. You are better off spending the time practicing some other aspect (hitting) of the game that can help your team win.

Your goal as a batter is to reach second base. Bunting won't get you there. Walk plus a steal is a stretch. Ground balls have a low percentage for extra bases. What to do? hit the ball in the air as hard as you can.

The math will not change on that.
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Bunting is hard. You are better off spending the time practicing some other aspect (hitting) of the game that can help your team win.

Your goal as a batter is to reach second base. Bunting won't get you there. Walk plus a steal is a stretch. Ground balls have a low percentage for extra bases. What to do? hit the ball in the air as hard as you can.

The math will not change on that.
Go back to my post, which you were responding to but didn't quote (post 259 in case you forgot), and tell me where I was wrong.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
Go back to my post, which you were responding to but didn't quote (post 259 in case you forgot), and tell me where I was wrong.

I wasn't even responding to your post which I hadn't even read.

After reading it though I do disagree with your premise. ;)
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
After reading it though I do disagree with your premise. ;)
The only thing you can disagree with is that there are situations (at whatever level you are playing...) where the probability of getting a double is so low, compared to getting a bunt hit, that bunting for a base hit (or "soft" slapping for that matter in FP) would be beneficial from a run production perspective. Is that what you are saying? I don't know, you may be right but it is probably easier to prove that there is one individual situation where this would be true then it would be to prove that it would never be true...just saying :p
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Put it this way,
Pending the players on the line up.
Pending the players on the field.
Not every batter is a sure out when asked to bunt.

Without a roster to compare to any ones stats, stats may not match skill sets.

Have to strategize the teams roster based on the teams skill sets.

With certainty the ability to mix in either bunting or not creates extra defensive issues.
With certainty when i was asked to bunt, it did NOT mean i was always getting out.
Just standing in the box intending to only swing away would put the defense in a much easier situation.
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Put it this way,
Pending the players on the line up.
Pending the players on the field.
Not every batter is a sure out when asked to bunt.

Without a roster to compare to any ones stats, stats may not match skill sets.

Have to strategize the teams roster based on the teams skill sets.

With certainty the ability to mix in either bunting or not creates extra defensive issues.
With certainty when i was asked to bunt, it did NOT mean i was always getting out.
Just standing in the box intending to only swing away would put the defense in a much easier situation.
With some constraints (they differ at the amateur and pro level) a coach has the ability to choose how they want to construct a team.....right?
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
Not every batter is a sure out when asked to bunt.
But bunting for a hit is hard. When you combine the probability of getting a bunt for a hit AND the probability of stealing 2B the math isn't in your favor.

The game has evolved. The math has been done.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Bunting helps the batters eyes on the ball and timing.
It is a great tool to help young batters learn seeing pitches, especially when we start seeing pitches with spin and movement.
Even when facing exceptional pitching bunting closes the gap because when its not a strike we can pull our bat away...hopefully forcing a better count to chose to swing at the next pitch.

With some constraints (they differ at the amateur and pro level) a coach has the ability to choose how they want to construct a team.....right?
True! We certainly can see who picks speed!

And at lower levels you may get what you get!
The fastest girl at tryouts who can field but not hit.
Can be taught to bunt much faster than learning how to hit!
 

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