June 01, 2004
Bunting in the First
In the top of the first of the Houston-Chicago game, Biggio got on when he was hit by the pitch. Jimy Williams then has Adam Everett sacrifice. I don't understand that. Sacrificing in the first inning makes sense if you believe one of the following:
- It's going to be a low scoring game.
- The opposing pitcher is extremely good.
- You think your offense if really bad.
I'd have to say none of these are true. Houston is 2nd in runs scored, so the offense is pretty good, especially the three guys coming up behind Everett. The opposing pitcher is Glendon Rusch, and he's pitching on short rest. The game is being played at Wrigley Field, and the wind is blowing out. (There have been five HR in the game so far.)
So Bagwell followed the sac with a HR, which would have scored Biggio from first as easily as from second. Williams blew the chance of Everett getting on base, in which case Bagwell might have had a three-run HR, and the Astros would have the lead right now, instead of a 3-3 tie.
Posted by David Pinto at
09:19 PM
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Strategy
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David -
Maybe he's taking lessons from Bob Melvin. Of course, Melvin likes to have his #2 hitter bunt Ichiro to second. The other manager then walks or pitches around Martinez to both set up the double play and face a less dangerous batter.
Actually, if the opposing pitcher is really good, why would you ever sacrifice? You have maybe one shot at getting some runs off of him, and by sacrificing you're giving him a free out.
daniel, if the opposing pitcher is really good, i'd want to make as sure as i can to advance the runner. everett is a great bunter and an ok hitter.
then again, i think that jimy has just gotten in the habit of bunting him and it seems to be a hard habit to quit.
