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MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

They don't do it more often because it's better to try to hit over the shift than away from it. Ie, they'd rather go 1 for 4 with a homer than 3 for 4 with two infield singles and a double.

And again...that's on them. The shift isn't the problem.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

The shift has been employed as far back as Ted Williams, and likely prior to that. Why people think it's some new thing is mystifying to me. It's used more because people finally figured out that data has value and tendencies are real and measurable, but like several stated, overcome or they'll find someone who will.
 
The shift has been employed as far back as Ted Williams, and likely prior to that.
Yes, but Ted Williams didnt face *this* type of shift...

<img width=400 src=https://cdn-blogs.fangraphs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Screen-Shot-2018-04-20-at-5.57.42-PM.png>

<img width=400 src=https://i.cbc.ca/1.2752414.1409583659!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/dodgers-shift-620.jpg>
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

So? Adapt or be left behind. Why stifle strategy and innovation?

If a major league ballplayer can't find a gap in there, maybe they don't deserve to be a major league ballplayer.
 
So? Adapt or be left behind. Why stifle strategy and innovation?

If a major league ballplayer can't find a gap in there, maybe they don't deserve to be a major league ballplayer.
Oh, I completely agree; I think where the issue is, is the absurdity that has risen on some shifts. It used to be just making the SS/2B move a little closer to 1B/3B; maybe make the RF or LF move towards center... now we're stacking *all* the infielders into the shallow OF to take away a bloop pop-up hit.

But yes, the hitters need to adapt. Or keep going 0-for on these shifts.

And it's still hilarious to watch one get through these shifts, or go completely into the gaps.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

And it's still hilarious to watch one get through these shifts

I agree with this. The shift is basically pulling your goalie. Let it happen, it's funny, and when the hitter can't beat it that's even funnier.

But murder the relief pitchers.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

And yet no one will even touch the conversation about the 20 extra minutes burned every game on commercials. 2:30 to 2:55 every half-inning, when players can be ready in 90 seconds or so. That's an extra 2-3 minutes every inning, over and above the time it takes to get on and off the field, and get ready for the next half-inning. Even if you eliminate HALF of the extra time between half-innings, you're under 3 hours on average.

The reason is blindingly obvious. Less ads, less TV money.

EDIT: Add in a pitch clock, along with forcing the players to stay in the box, and we're probably under 2:50 with room to spare.
 
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Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

If your best player is getting a free single against the shift, the defense has still won.

Even if they go 4-4. They aren't beating my team with the HR or extra bases. Thats a trade off I'd take every time.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

If your best player is getting a free single against the shift, the defense has still won.

Even if they go 4-4. They aren't beating my team with the HR or extra bases. Thats a trade off I'd take every time.

That is one of the products of the "stat" era... The guy who hits 50HR, 95 RBI but strikes out 150+ times is more valuable than a .325 hitter with 5 HR, 85 RBI and 20 K's....
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

Angel Hernandez runs AJ Hinch....one pitch into a spring training game.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

Angel Hernandez runs AJ Hinch....one pitch into a spring training game.

Famous Billy Martin story about him asking an ump to run him so he could get to a date without King George knowing.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

Famous Billy Martin story about him asking an ump to run him so he could get to a date without King George knowing.

I figured he just wanted to go drinking with Mickey and Whitey.

But given AJ's comments after the game....this was clearly not the case.
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

Looking at the Hall of Fame list on Baseball Reference for a baseball card project I'm probably going to embark on....

Steve Carlton is going to be 75 this year? Carl Yastrzemski is going to be 80?!? How in the hell did this happen so fast?
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

Looking at the Hall of Fame list on Baseball Reference for a baseball card project I'm probably going to embark on....

Steve Carlton is going to be 75 this year? Carl Yastrzemski is going to be 80?!? How in the hell did this happen so fast?

I would never have guessed they are just 5 years apart. Their careers straddle the line of baseball cognizance for me, so I think of Yaz as "olde tyme" and Lefty as "contemporary baseball."
 
Re: MLB 2018.2: Postseason, Free Agency, and Awards

Looking at the Hall of Fame list on Baseball Reference for a baseball card project I'm probably going to embark on....

Steve Carlton is going to be 75 this year? Carl Yastrzemski is going to be 80?!? How in the hell did this happen so fast?

Yaz at 80 sounds right. He was in his mid 40's when he retired (and looked like it too) and that was a lifetime ago.
 
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