Outlaw the Shift

[kairos12]

I know the shift predates Ted Williams but watching the SS move to short right field makes the game look like a beer league softball game. Play your position.

[we can do it]

1. Maybe hitters should just hit the huge hole instead of swinging for the fence.

[Ohiogal]

2. Yeah, that makes too much sense

[tonyt53]

5. And you are onto something. In the past 4-5 years, more players have been swinging for "it".

The number show that even if it doesn't get out of the park, they are more likely to get a hit, get it into a gap, or even drive in a run from third if they swung for the fence at every bat. this is also the reason that strikeouts are up and batting averages are down during this same time period.

[Brother Buzz]

6. They only shift when the batter is a known pull hitter who can't do anything but pull the hit

SF Giants first baseman, Brandon Belt, is one, and he's so predictable that the sift is almost comical.

[CanonRay]

7. As a left handed kid, I had to hit against "right field out"

when there weren't enough players. Taught myself to hit to left field.

[we can do it]

8. I was a dead pull hitter until my coach taught me to wait on the pitch.

[Wellstone ruled]

3. Come on,it is Baseball.

Like someone says,just shoot the gap. Rod Carew would burn teams when they put the shift on.

[rickford66]

4. Except for the pitcher, I thought the players could position themselves wherever they wish.