Ortiz vs. "The Shift"

[mtbykr]

For the most part, the shift seems to happen only when there is nobody on base. Certainly not with RISP; a guy on 2ed could walk to 3rd!

 

I conceed that "bunt" is too strong a suggestion - but it did help get the point across in the post. Hitting anything to the left side will suffice.

 

 

Concede nothing, if there is no-one on base then i want him to lay one down. He has proven that he can and if he can get on everytime for manny----------then i like our chances

[TheRivernator]

unless they can shift one OFer into the monster seats, another 10 rows behind the pesky pole and another into the RF bullpen, it aint gonna work...

[BoSox34]

I personally do not like to see Ortiz bunting because it's basically the equivilent of intentionally walking him and the opposing team would much rather see him with a bunt single than a mammoth blast to right field. Once in a while is o.k, but I hope this does not become a regular thing, which I am sure it will not.

[mtbykr]

I personally do not like to see Ortiz bunting because it's basically the equivilent of intentionally walking him and the opposing team would much rather see him with a bunt single than a mammoth blast to right field. Once in a while is o.k, but I hope this does not become a regular thing, which I am sure it will not.

 

Well i look at it like getting oritz on base 4-5 times a game with manny coming up next. Now if manny is struggling, then it's tougher to do. However if manny is, well being manny---then teams would not want to concede a runner on for manny every time up! Some of the shifts we are seeing have 4 outfielders to cut off the gaps so any "hit" he gets will only be a single if it doesn't leave the yard. Why not lay one down and get on every time. All of this is moot of course if there is someone on base when he comes up!

[redsoxrules]

id say most of the time they play him like that , bunt because by doing that the other teams will start playing their regular defense to open up more holes and you have Manny behind you to drive you in, of corse id like to see him go for the homerun however sometimes small ball wins it

[BrentD22]

Why not switch Manny and Ortiz's batting orders. I know I know, Tito doesn't like change and doesn't like doing things like this. BUT... if Manny can get out of his slump and have another guy in front of David can get on base so he gets up to bat he won't have to worry about the shift.

 

NOW I would like to comment about Big Pappi bing a bunter. WHY NOT? Cause it's not manly? I think Ortiz is a great bunter and should do it more often when the shift is on. Maybe just show bunt on the first pitch to see if they pull away from the shift. Theres no question that the shift works for those teams and he's gotta do something to keep them honest.