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The World Series:
Every
Run Counts
Because both teams usually have among the best pitching staffs in their
leagues, World Series games are fought as if a single run is a matter of
life and death. The battle rages not just between the pitcher and batter,
but the opposing managers duel as well, one trying to grab a run, the other
setting his defense to prevent it.
To illustrate how managers constantly realign their defenses, we will
step through a typical late-inning scenario.
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The score is tied 2-2 in the bottom of the
ninth. The home team, is sending up its 8, 9, and 1 batters. You are the
visiting manager. How should you position your defense?
A: Conventional wisdom is to play the first baseman and the third
baseman close to the line late in tight ballgames. The thinking is that,
while a single is bad, a double or triple down the line is very, very bad.
While there are those who question this logic -- why make the more likely
single easier -- most managers would rather take their chances with a runner
on first, than on second.
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The lead-off hitter stroked a single to left.
Coming up is the number 9 hitter, an excellent bunter, expect him to sacrifice
the runner over to second. Where do you position your players?
A: First and third are pulled in, ready to charge when the batter
squares around. Second baseman moves toward first, since he will take the
throw at first base. Shortstop will cover second, in case a bad bunt allows
the defense to cut off the lead runner. The center fielder takes a few steps
in, and the right fielder moves behind first base, both ready to retrieve
wild throws.
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After the bunt, there is a runner in scoring
position and one out. Where do you put your fielders now?
A: Move the outfield back three or four steps, and play the lines
in the infield. In this situation, a double will definitely lose the game,
while a single may not. Therefore, play the first and third basemen on
the lines, move the outfield back. If the ball goes over the outfielders'
heads, the game is over, if it falls in front of the them, they have a
play at the plate. (Or the runner may hold at third.)
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Lead-off batter gets a single. Runner on first and third,
one out. Where do you play your defense?
A: A double play ball gets you out of the inning, so play your
second baseman (4) and your shortstop (6) toward second base. A long fly
ball loses the game even if your fielder catches it -- the runner from third
will tag-up and score -- so, play your outfield in. With one out, the suicide
squeeze is a possibility, play your corners in on the grass.
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The two hitter popped out behind third base. Definitely
the shortstop's ball. Your shortstop fielded it cleanly without tripping,
so the runner from third stayed put.
First and third, two outs, left handed pull hitter coming up, where do
you play your defense?
A: Play your second and first basemen real deep, hoping to cut
off all ground balls, and get a play at first. Good luck.
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