That was Berkman's only year over 10 SBs. Lee has a much better history of basestealing than Berkman. Until last year, Lee consistently stole 10-15 bases a year every year. But both of them do it based on smarts (like Bagwell) rather than speed. Neither of them are going to beat out a bunt for a base hit.
This example truly defeats the purpose of attempting a bunt. Wouldn't it be better to have the bases loaded and 0 outs than runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out? (or runners on 1st and 2nd with 0 outs than a runner on 2nd with 1 out) It also defeats the purpose of your drag bunt for a hit argument. A walk with runners on 1st, 1st and 2nd, or bases loaded will result in the same scenario as a drag bunt for a hit, unless an error is made that allows runners to advance an extra base. Also, it is much more likely than Berkman will walk than he will properly execute a bunt.
is it really that hard to bunt? these guys have been playing baseball for 25+ years, but we can't fathom asking them to bunt if the situation calls for it?
It is something that some players are rarely called upon to do and it seems that everyone assumes that every single bunt is successful. It's just as easy for a player who doesn't bunt in "game" situations to pop out or foul it off or miss or whatever than to lay it down successfully. Do folks really, really want a player like Carlos Lee bunting? I think that last night, Pinella would have said to Cooper - "I'll allow the runners to move to 2nd and 3rd in exchange for Carlos Lee being called out", considering they were going to walk Berkman anyway. Let's not forget that Lee's at bat resulted in the runner getting to 3rd base.
OK this is the first time I have ever heard Berkman's name mentioned in the same thought as smarts on the basepaths. He's had his less-than-glorious moments! Agreed! Seriously, any conversation concerning fat sluggers bunting that goes beyond, say, 30 seconds, is kinda silly.
Oh - don't get me wrong, Berkman doesn't seem like your natural instincts player by any stretch. But the few bases he does steal (at least during that 2 month stretch last year when he went on a basestealing binge) seem to be a direct result of him knowing when to run (ie, the pitcher isn't paying attention to him) as opposed to any sort of blazing speed on his part that would help him beat out a bunt for a hit.
The scenario I was describing was fat Elvis at bat with no outs and a runner on second. A walk yields a runner at first and second. A bunt yields a runner on third and maybe a runner on first. And then the Astros would have 1 shot (or 2 depending on if Fat Elvis was safe) on scoring on a sac fly with Carlos Lee up. Not the scenario I was describing. Fat Elvis has great hand eye coordination. With practice, I suspect that he would be a great bunter. Again I am not suggesting that Fat Elvis bunt all of the time. Just enough to mess with opponent's defense. Just enough for a fake bunt to open the right side of the infield. The Astros have shown to be very inconsistent wrt to scoring runs. Playing a little small ball every now and then would not be a bad thing.
Sorry, I assumed you were describing the scenario from last night's game. Anyway, don't forget that currently Lee bats in front of Berkman, so he would be the runner on 2nd. Also, in a game situation, Berkman would mosty likely be intentionally walked. Also, I would rather have Berkman attempt to drive in the runner from 2nd with 0 outs than rely on Blum, et al, trying to get him in from 3rd with 1 out (especially considering the better hitters would be walked in a game situation). Usually the absolute worst thing that happens with a runner on 2nd and 0 outs, is that there will be a runner on 2nd with 1 out. How many folks would be screaming for Cooper to be fired if Berkman popped out bunting in your scenario?
As I see it, every single decision made in a game that is won, is the correct decision for that particular game.
another thing you aren't taking into consideration is that even if berkman gets a hit in that situation, unless it's a gapper or a homer, the player is getting held up at third anyway, and you're still relying on the crappy hitters behind him getting a hit or a sac fly. basically, your best case scenario of berkman actually driving in the run is low odds, and that reward is nowhere near worth the risk of leaving the runner stranded at 2nd. in my opinion, at least.
Sure I am taking that into consideration. At least in that scenario, you still have 3 outs to get the runner in, rather than 2.
Considering that if the opposite decision was made, the loss may not have occurred, then - yes. That doesn't mean it wasn't the correct decision at that particular time, but in the overall scheme of the game that decision ultimately contributed to a loss. You, of course, are entitled to your opinion, but that's the way I see it.
So man on 2nd, no outs... If Tejada had bunted Bourn to 3rd (assuming he's succesful), then Pence strikes out, and Lee flies out, stranding the runner at 3rd. Hmm.
