Curious about lefties and defensive positions

[Dyzalot]

Originally Posted by RchW

Now I know you are trolling. You brought it up. See below and also see Lou Gehrig's post.



You brought 2B into the discussion.

Yes but I wasn't talking about left handed middle infielders since there aren't any. I was simply stating that a left handed third baseman running to third to straddle the bag and take a throw from the catcher isn't really any different skill wise from a right handed middle infielder doing the same thing at second base when taking a throw from the catcher.

[RchW]

Originally Posted by Dyzalot

Yes but I wasn't talking about left handed middle infielders since there aren't any. I was simply stating that a left handed third baseman running to third to straddle the bag and take a throw from the catcher isn't really any different skill wise from a right handed middle infielder doing the same thing at second base when taking a throw from the catcher.

You are wrong. My post you thought was off topic explained it. Go back and read it.

[Dyzalot]

Originally Posted by RchW

You are wrong. My post you thought was off topic explained it. Go back and read it.

I still think it is off topic.

Originally Posted by RchW

No you are wrong. The positions needed for LH throwers require contortions unlike what is required for RH throwers. The move for a RH 2B requires a steeper angle of approach than that of a RH 3B. That is nothing compared to what a LH 2B would have to do. The path for a RH SS going to his left is very easy. It would be somewhat easier for a LH SS but that is immaterial as a LH SS could not compete on balls hit to his right.

This entire argument is nonsense and I should probably stop feeding the troll posts. I just can't stop myself.

I have no idea what any of this has to do with the comparison between how middle infielders currently straddle second to take a throw from the catcher and how a left handed third baseman might do the same at third to take a throw from the catcher.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by RchW

This entire argument is nonsense and I should probably stop feeding the troll posts. I just can't stop myself.

I'm almost sorry I even posted my observation. I didn't mean to start another argument with my post. It was just something I saw and I know had it been a right handed 3B that the play would have been closer.

[RchW]

Originally Posted by Andy

I'm almost sorry I even posted my observation. I didn't mean to start another argument with my post. It was just something I saw and I know had it been a right handed 3B that the play would have been closer.

You should never apologize for trying to counter nonsense.

[The Wolf]

Originally Posted by majesty95

I'll elaborate since I'm sure the question will come up:

First, a 3B or SS charging a grounder would have to plant and pivot to make a throw. That would make them extremely ineffective (and exploitable) at covering bunts and slow rollers. They would also have to plant and pivot to make a routine throw. That could be a huge issue in bang-bang plays. While a 2B throwing lefty would be great on starting double plays, he would have to cross in front of the runner to position himself for the pivot when turning a DP.

I think a lefty catcher is far more plausible, but a left-handed 2B, SS or 3B would provide too many deficiencies to offset the few minor advantages they would offer.

Former infielder here. This is correct. It's easier and faster to make infield throws with your right hand, since your left foot is generally pointed toward the direction of your throw. A leftie has to swing at least his right foot and commonly his body and both feet around before throwing the ball, which takes time and makes him a far slower, and therefore worse, fielder than a comparable rightie. Double plays are also much, much easier if both the 2B and the SS are right-handed.

Left-handed infielders are rare not because of tradition, but because of simple efficiency: they almost always make inferior infielders.

[Lou Gehrig]

Originally Posted by The Wolf

Former infielder here. This is correct. It's easier and faster to make infield throws with your right hand, since your left foot is generally pointed toward the direction of your throw. A leftie has to swing at least his right foot and commonly his body and both feet around before throwing the ball, which takes time and makes him a far slower, and therefore worse, fielder than a comparable rightie. Double plays are also much, much easier if both the 2B and the SS are right-handed.

Left-handed infielders are rare not because of tradition, but because of simple efficiency: they almost always make inferior infielders.

The Wolf is completely right...again.

[majesty95]

This is where a mod should come in to save the day and close the thread

[jaysdailydose]

Originally Posted by majesty95

This is where a mod should come in to save the day and close the thread

It doesn't need to be closed if a positive discussion can be had.

Even though there is strong data to support it being a bad idea, I don't think the human manager should be denied the chance to try anything. A left-handed player could be entered into a game in real life, so the option shouldn't be restricted, and it isn't.

I definitely think there should be some fielding penalty coded in for a player attempting to play these positions -- but I'm not a developer and there absolutely could already be one.

Regardless, nothing gets changed when people act immature. I'd hope we can all act like adults to where a moderator doesn't have to take action. I don't think I've been out of order, but if anyone feels I was, please accept my sincere apology.