Play the damn game!

[nymr83]

we don't need dumb ass rule changes to "combat the shift", just smarter players.



here is Matt Carpenter, BUNTING for a double against a shift that was taken too far.



https://deadspin.com/matt-carpenter-beats-a-marlins-shift-with-a-standup-bun-1835599167https://deadspin.com/matt-carpenter-beats-a-marlins-shift-with-a-standup-bun-1835599167



the article has video embedded, but i'll link to the article rather than just the video so you can also see how he scores from second on more defensive infield ineptitude. poor Marlins, you'd think they were trying to emulate the owner defensively.

[nymr83]

and for good measure, here is Rich Hill, cursing the fuck out of the shift for all to hear



https://deadspin.com/rich-hill-on-the-shift-fuck-fuck-fuck-goddammit-1834965518https://deadspin.com/rich-hill-on-the-shift-fuck-fuck-fuck-goddammit-1834965518

[seawolf17]

I don't like Matt Carpenter or the Cardinals, but I *LOVED* that bunt double. Awesome.

[Edgy MD]

The announcer calls it "unbelievable." What's much harder to believe is that it doesn't happen over and over.

[Centerfield]

Edgy MD wrote: The announcer calls it "unbelievable." What's much harder to believe is that it doesn't happen over and over.

Yup. Considering most pitchers have the skill set required to do this every time.



I do think eventually it will catch on and everyone will wonder why it took so long to become common practice.

[Edgy MD]

Most righthanders bunt wrong. Lift your back leg and square your hips man.



https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Phil_Rizzuto_1953.jpg/220px-Phil_Rizzuto_1953.jpg>



Also, squaring the bat before the pitcher begins his motion is hella stupid. It's not only an invitation to the defense to adjust, it's also an invitation to the pitcher to just stand there until just as he senses you cramping with anxiety but before you call time out.