The Shift being stopped new rule

[RCMcKenzie]

I played high school baseball over 35 years ago, and my recollection is that I was lucky just to hit a foul ball. I was trying to hit it up the middle, but today, there would be a dude there behind 2nd base with a glove.


I can only think of a few players that I have seen with enough skill to hit it where they ain't. Carew, Gwynn, Boggs, Rose, Ichiro. Who am I missing?

[clydepepper]

Originally Posted by RCMcKenzie

I played high school baseball over 35 years ago, and my recollection is that I was lucky just to hit a foul ball. I was trying to hit it up the middle, but today, there would be a dude there behind 2nd base with a glove.


I can only think of a few players that I have seen with enough skill to hit it where they ain't. Carew, Gwynn, Boggs, Rose, Ichiro. Who am I missing?

The point is that nobody even tries anymore.

They are supposed to be the best at this...and yet, name just one who could 'go op' consistantly.

Freddie Freeman may be the closest in today's game.

[RCMcKenzie]

Freeman is a great hitter. Goldschmidt hits to all fields. He would be a star if he played in New York.

Altuve used to bat .350 with 5 homers and 50 steals. At some point in the middle of his career, he became a dead-pull hitter. .290ish BA, 900 ops, 30 homers, 10 steals.

[1952boyntoncollector]

I just think we dont give enough credit to development

NBA has seen the rise of the 3 point shot when it was said you cant win it all with jump shots as a primary way to win...yet that skill was developed..

having better bat control would be a skill, heck maybe to help it along is you allow the shift for the most innings but not in the 9th inning which would make the 'closers' appear a lot more valuable as you may of seen my posts against most closers not comparing well to starting pitchers for HOF consideration...

[packs]

The two pick off / step offs per at bat is the dumbest rule. How long will it be until people start taking free bases because the pitcher shook a pitch off and wants to reset?

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by packs

The two pick off / step offs per at bat is the dumbest rule. How long will it be until people start taking free bases because the pitcher shook a pitch off and wants to reset?

will be more pitch outs..

[mrreality68]

I hate the banning of the shift and I believe it takes away from baseball and the basics of baseball.
They are supposed to be pro hitters let them "Hit it where they aint" and then they will not shift on that player.
It also takes away more of the strategy of the game.

I do not mind change and evolving the game but i do not think this does that

But reality they are doing it and we have to live with it

[packs]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

will be more pitch outs..

You won't catch a guy stealing during your pitch selection with a pitch out. The only way a pitch out works is if a runner has to wait for a pitch to be thrown before they take off. If you can't hold a guy on with a throw over, he risks nothing taking off as soon as the catcher throws the ball back to you.