Double Play depth vs. Weak shift (defensive positioning)

[FlyTheW1104]

Here's the scenario.

There's a runner on first with less than two outs. The batter is a RHB and has a "pull" tendency for groundballs and your pitcher is a ground baller.

What do you choose for defensive positioning?

A. Double Play depth

or

B. Weak shift left

Will A result in more double plays but also more singles?

Will B. result in a huge drop off in Double plays?

[zappa1]

Originally Posted by FlyTheW1104

Here's the scenario.

There's a runner on first with less than two outs. The batter is a RHB and has a "pull" tendency for groundballs and your pitcher is a ground baller.

What do you choose for defensive positioning?

A. Double Play depth

or

B. Weak shift left

Will A result in more double plays but also more singles?

Will B. result in a huge drop off in Double plays?

I will also check the batters running speed. He may also be too tough to double up. It depends if you think you can double him as to how I play it. At least try and get the force at second.

[md40022]

Not to nitpick, but I am going to nitpick haha

The short answer is I would opt for double play depth

The reason for the answer is normally when you shift the defense the pitcher should be pitching into the shift. Using your scenario, if you hard shift towards left field the pitcher should be pitching the hitter inside to get him to pull the ball. If you hard shift to left field and then throw him a slider that breaks off the outside part of the plate, the hitter would be shooting that into right field away from the shift..... Problem being, we have no control over pitcher strategy and that always makes me leery of shifting when it comes to OOTP strategy. Maybe that type of thing isn't factored in to OOTP? Then again, maybe it is? And if it is, we don't have any control over it...... I know it's a nitpick, but since you asked the question I brought it up haha.

Long story short, I would be going with DP depth there. I tend to avoid shifting in OOTP for reasons mentioned above.

[md40022]

***double post

[FlyTheW1104]

Excellent post. I think I agree with your logic.

[Pelican]

Well, I wish I could choose both. Double play depth, but shifted to the left. But, forced choice, I would choose DP, if the batter is not fast. One other variable is whether your pitcher throws ground balls. If you have a high-Stuff RP throwing sinkers, go for it. Another concern would be the fielding ability of your SS and 2B, including specifically the DP ratings. I would want at least 50 for each, and would prefer 70 or higher.