That was my thinking. I remember the discussion the other week where some were saying no matter what men on 1st and 2nd, 0 outs, tied game in the 9th is a bunt even with Pujols at the plate. Personally, I have no problem with Lee swinging there.
I really don't know what to think about the issue. I hear people arguing both sides. On another note, does anybody know what Pence did this offseason to improve his plate discipline?
that was me. and i said that pujols would be the only player in the majors that would make me think twice about bunting. if lee is incapable of laying down a bunt (which blows my mind if true), pinch hit for him.
fun little win. great pitching, and we executed and scored when the opportunities presented themselves. let's get the series tomorrow.
So you would have the following players bunt in that situation: Manny Ramirez Alex Rodriguez Lance Berkman Chipper Jones Todd Helton Justin Morneau Prince Fielder Ryan Howard Evan Longoria
You do realize, that for the most part, the odds are better that these players will advance the runner(s) naturally (without bunting) and that the player(s) batting behind these guys are way less of an offensive threat. in 6400+ plate appearances, Carlos Lee has successfully bunted 3 times in his career and not once since 2001. Is that really something you want to have him do rather than try to advance the runners by getting on base or hitting a deep fly? Generally speaking, over the course of their careers, would you rather have Berkman try to get in a runner from 2nd with 0 outs than have Quintero and Keppinger knock in a runner from 3rd with 1 out?
I think that you need to consider in the above hypothetical is that Berkeman leads the team in walks. Thus, Berkeman swinging away may end in a walk (with runners then on first and second, no outs) and not lead to a score. Also a drag bunt down the first base line very well may be a hit, with then runners on the corners and no outs. If Berkeman punted once or twice a season, the first baseman may have to respect Berkeman showing the bunt, with the second base wheeling to first. A fake bunt followed by a free swing might give Berkeman an open right side of the infield. I am only advocating as occasional bunt here by Berkeman. It is a small ball move, that I think the Astros should do a little more of.
It's hard to take your post seriously when you misspell Lance Berkman's name 6 times while quoting someone who spelled it correctly. And even if you didn't, the odds of someone nicknamed Fat Elvis executing a drag bunt for a base hit seem pretty low. It's a low percentage move, compared with the more likely scenario of him getting down 0 - 2 missing the bunt or (even worse) popping it up. Just because you call for a bunt doesn't mean you automatically get the guy to 3rd.
I dont know, but this guy has improved so much in one year, its amazing. He's on my fantasy team so I follow him even closer than the other Stro players. Seems like he has remedied not swinging at the outside slide piece, thats obvious. But also, he's not swinging much at much of anything low, period. As witnessed by his last at bat, where he took a couple close low 2 seamers down to earn that walk. He's becoming a true stud. Just wait til the power comes around, then he'll be a doubles machine
