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Some very good info in the post above me
A re-worded version of what JinAZ said, just for kicks:
Hit and Run:
-The runner is sent when the pitch is delivered(just like a stolen base)
-The batter is told to try and make contact with the pitch no matter what
Pros:
-Harder for infield to turn double play
-Opens up hole in infield with shortstop/2B covering second for the steal
-Increasing chances of a runner going from 1st to 3rd on a base hit
Cons:
-If batter misses the ball, high chance of runner being thrown out
-A line drive or fly ball can result in a double play
-Batter may have to swing at a bad pitch
When to use:
-Good contact hitter, fast runner, count where the pitcher will most likely throw a strike (i.e. ahead in the count, 1-0, 2-1, etc.)
Run and hit:
-Same thing as a hit & run, except batter doesn't have to swing
Pros:
-Same as hit&run, plus less risk of forcing the batter to swing at a bad pitch
Cons:
-Same as hit & run, except will result in more attempts to throw the runner out at second since sometimes the batter will take the pitch
When to use:
-Same as hit & run
-Full count, because a ball means the runner is automatically safe so the risk of being thrown out is lower
Squeeze bunt
-Runner on 3rd steals home when the pitch is delivered
-Batter tries to bunt the ball no matter where the pitch is, and hope that the runner can reach home before the catcher gets the ball back.
-Often the fielders will have no chance at the runner going home and will take the easy out at first.
Pros:
-High success rate when the batter is a good bunter and the runner is a good runner.
-Surprises the defense (not really a factor in OOTP as much as real life)
Cons:
-Risk an easy out if the batter can't make contact or if he bunts it hard back to the pitcher, or right on top of the plate
When to use:
-Fast runner, good bunter.
-Situation where the pitch will most likely be in or around the strike zone (ahead in the count: 1-0, 2-1, etc).
Infield Shift
-Infield shifts to the left for a right-handed batter or the right for a left-handed batter
-For a righty, the shortstop will be near second base, the second baseman will be closer to first, and the first baseman will be playing near the foul line. The third baseman will move closer to the shortstop position since he is the only fielder on that side of the infield.
Pros:
-Very difficult for a hitter to pull a ball through the infield
Cons:
-Lose defense on the other side of the infield, a grounder to opposite field will probably get through
When to use:
-When an extreme pull hitter is at the plate who rarely hits to opposite field
In case you're not familiar with these terms, "pulling" the ball is hitting it on the left side of the infield for a righthander, and the opposite for a left hander.
Opposite field is the right side of the infield for a righthanded batter, and the opposite for a left handed batter.
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