Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

[Unlucky 13]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

what do you do when the Cubs play the White Sox @ Comiskey?

Then that's interleague! Not pure, AL, lol. Just a weird daliance into a foreign game. But its still good when we can go over there and win with their weird rules. Wouldn't want to live with them, though.

[countryboy]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

I apologized to Nolanryanssnowmonkey via PM because my attitude towards him was the worst, but I wanted to take a moment and apologize to those in this thread that had to read through the unpleasantness that I created. Instead of conducting myself in a mature manner and discussing the issue in a mature manner, which is why I've been a member of OS for so long and what I preach it needs to be more of, I acted childish and quite frankly like a dick.

So I wanted to apologize to the members in this thread that were subject to that and for not being mature enough to discuss a difference of opinion, although quite honestly I think we are all on the same page, I just was too pig headed to admit it.

So I sincerely apologize to everyone who was subject to my less than stellar behavior.

[KnightTemplar]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

I apologized to Nolanryanssnowmonkey via PM because my attitude towards him was the worst, but I wanted to take a moment and apologize to those in this thread that had to read through the unpleasantness that I created. Instead of conducting myself in a mature manner and discussing the issue in a mature manner, which is why I've been a member of OS for so long and what I preach it needs to be more of, I acted childish and quite frankly like a dick.

So I wanted to apologize to the members in this thread that were subject to that and for not being mature enough to discuss a difference of opinion, although quite honestly I think we are all on the same page, I just was too pig headed to admit it.



So I sincerely apologize to everyone who was subject to my less than stellar behavior.

A#shole>............

[KnightTemplar]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

A#shole>............

Where’s that smiley emoticon when I needed it?

[KnightTemplar]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Where’s that smiley emoticon when I needed it?

here they are.

[countryboy]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Where’s that smiley emoticon when I needed it?

No smiley emoticon needed, what you said was fitting.

[countryboy]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Ok...with that out of the way, I would like to discuss rocket bunts and not be pig headed about it.

What I classify as rocket bunts are bunts that get all the way to the first base or third base bag when the defender is playing normal depth. Or bunts that look like ground balls that roll towards the 2nd baseman or shortstop. With that said, I don't recall ever seeing one when sacrifice bunting because the first baseman and third baseman are charging.

What happens when I sacrifice bunt typically is the bunt will roll to the first baseman, primarily, or occassionally to the third baseman and they will field it about halfway down the line, or maybe just short of half way. They will 99% of the time just throw to first base, although I've had the 3rd baseman throw to second base a couple of times. I know the first baseman did once, but that is the only time I recall.

When sacrifice bunting I was holding the L-stick to the left or right, or neutral and that would lead to those types of bunts. I have since tried holding it straight down to see if it will deaden the ball, and it has two or three times I've tried it, but that is a very small sample size.

Also when sacrifice bunting I wait until the pitcher is in his motion before squaring around. I don't while he's set, and definitely not after release as that leads to drag bunting/bunting for a hit, which is a whole different animal.

Anyways, I wanted to share that to start to see if that is similar to what others are seeing. I also wanted to see if other's have tried holding down on the L-stick and seeing if that helps deaden the ball. Like I said my sample size is too small to make any definitive claims.

[NolanRyansSnowmonkey]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

I apologized to Nolanryanssnowmonkey via PM because my attitude towards him was the worst, but I wanted to take a moment and apologize to those in this thread that had to read through the unpleasantness that I created. Instead of conducting myself in a mature manner and discussing the issue in a mature manner, which is why I've been a member of OS for so long and what I preach it needs to be more of, I acted childish and quite frankly like a dick.

So I wanted to apologize to the members in this thread that were subject to that and for not being mature enough to discuss a difference of opinion, although quite honestly I think we are all on the same page, I just was too pig headed to admit it.

So I sincerely apologize to everyone who was subject to my less than stellar behavior.

Thats a tough thing to do, and to be respected.

I think it all escalated quicker than anyone intended, and no hard feelings. All water under the bridge here!

[NolanRyansSnowmonkey]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Where’s that smiley emoticon when I needed it?

Chief Wahoo is a constant smiley emoticon, so you don't have to use smileys.

[countryboy]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Thats a tough thing to do, and to be respected.

I think it all escalated quicker than anyone intended, and no hard feelings. All water under the bridge here!

Thanks man.

[dowie]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Ok...with that out of the way, I would like to discuss rocket bunts and not be pig headed about it.

What I classify as rocket bunts are bunts that get all the way to the first base or third base bag when the defender is playing normal depth. Or bunts that look like ground balls that roll towards the 2nd baseman or shortstop. With that said, I don't recall ever seeing one when sacrifice bunting because the first baseman and third baseman are charging.

What happens when I sacrifice bunt typically is the bunt will roll to the first baseman, primarily, or occassionally to the third baseman and they will field it about halfway down the line, or maybe just short of half way. They will 99% of the time just throw to first base, although I've had the 3rd baseman throw to second base a couple of times. I know the first baseman did once, but that is the only time I recall.

When sacrifice bunting I was holding the L-stick to the left or right, or neutral and that would lead to those types of bunts. I have since tried holding it straight down to see if it will deaden the ball, and it has two or three times I've tried it, but that is a very small sample size.

Also when sacrifice bunting I wait until the pitcher is in his motion before squaring around. I don't while he's set, and definitely not after release as that leads to drag bunting/bunting for a hit, which is a whole different animal.

Anyways, I wanted to share that to start to see if that is similar to what others are seeing. I also wanted to see if other's have tried holding down on the L-stick and seeing if that helps deaden the ball. Like I said my sample size is too small to make any definitive claims.

Bunts are definitely hit way too hard, and it's great the cpu (9 out of 10 times) just throws to 1B - but from the human side I turn a DP on the cpu 90%of the time. House rules, I know - but if it's a tight game I do what i can to win, right?

Dowie

[countryboy]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Bunts are definitely hit way too hard, and it's great the cpu (9 out of 10 times) just throws to 1B - but from the human side I turn a DP on the cpu 90%of the time. House rules, I know - but if it's a tight game I do what i can to win, right?

Dowie

Yes.

On the human side when fielding, it is easy to throw to 2nd base for, at the very least preventing the sacrifice from being successful. And if the runner is slow enough and the transition is quick enough, you can turn the double play. So yes, house rules are the only 100% fool proof way of preventing this from happening.

With that said, there have been a few times that I've thrown to 2nd because I wanted to win, *cough" playoffs *cough* and the throw pulled the SS/2B off the bag thus not allowing me to record an out at all on the play. But in the same breath there were times where I was able to record the out or double play.

[KnightTemplar]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Chief Wahoo is a constant smiley emoticon, so you don't have to use smileys.

I’m unfriending you.....wait.....that’s Facebook.

[NolanRyansSnowmonkey]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

Bunts are definitely hit way too hard, and it's great the cpu (9 out of 10 times) just throws to 1B - but from the human side I turn a DP on the cpu 90%of the time. House rules, I know - but if it's a tight game I do what i can to win, right?

Dowie

Nothing wrong with that!

It all depends on how different people like to play. People view the game with different outlooks and mindsets and choose to play the way that gives them the most enjoyment.

Some play "Win At All Costs" (no house rules)
Others play "lets keep somewhat realistic even though i could do _____, i will refrain"
(Results Oriented rules. [Stats]).

Here is how i kind of look at different scenarios. I am a Results/Stats guy.

So I use the house rule of no double play attempts on bunts. It's not really because the CPU doesn't use them, as much as it is that bunt double plays are extremely rare in MLB.

The last data i found was that less than one out of every 100 (in fair-play) bunt attempts (not just sac bunts) turned into any type of double play. (The actual number was .009% of all bunts).

That number is so low, that i just don't do it even when it may be possible. Its tough to refrain, especially when you NEED that double play.

Now, if gameplay data starts showing that the CPU turns more DP's than MLB, i will adjust to try to keep it even.

-Now, as far as trying to get the lead runner..
This is more common in MLB.

The SAC BUNT success rates (runner successfully moved up) i found were (approximately):

Runner on 1st, 0 outs ------------79% success
Runner on 1st, 1 out --------------79%
Runner on 2nd, 0 out -------------88%
Runners on 1st & 2nd, 0 out --76%
Runners on 1st & 2nd, 1 out --68%
Runners on 1st & 3rd, 1 out ---65%

So to NEVER get the lead runner is not exactly realistic to me either, especially since the CPU occasionally does.

You can use that data however best suits you.

***NERD ALERT***

You could set up any number of house rules to make it so you dont ALWAYS get the lead runner, but you do SOMETIMES. Anything from:

-Keeping an approximate tally in your head (ex.1 out of 4 or 5 bunt attempts, i get to go for the lead runner)
-Matching the cpu, eye for an eye
-Using a Random Number Generator App in advance for the next bunt, or x number of bunts. [Table Top Guys Unite lol] - (if it comes up 1 out of 4, you get to attempt to get the lead runner once this game. Or - - to be more precise you can roll for each scenario before the game on a 1-100 scale. Since there is a 79% success rate, if you roll 80 or higher i get to try to throw out the lead runner at 2nd. 89 or higher for 2nd, 0 out (88% success rate) etc)

[If going that far, you could even try to roll a 100 out of 100 on the RNG app and see if you get a chance at a sac bunt double play]

The problem with the first two ideas, is you will tend to cash in on your tally when you most need it. Which is also unfair. So its best to decide before each game IF and how many attempts you will have at lead runners, etc.

I play American League, so one roll may last 10 games before i ever even need it.

There are many other ways to accomplish this too, these are just thoughts.

At least these methods will allow you to get that lead runner SOMETIMES but it can't be just when you need it.

***NERD ALERT EXPIRED*** (sort of)

I realize that most people just want to play the game and this is WAYYYY to much trouble to go through and i totally get that. I say for majority, just play Go Get 'Em and no house rules. Or, come up with a simpler random solution that works for you. There is no right or wrong way. Just have fun!

[jeffy777]

Re: Why is every bunt a rocket this year?

CB, mad respect. It takes a real man to say something like that. Even though I’m a dirty Cubs fan (hehe), I always enjoy your posts as well as your passion for the game, and you’ve personally helped me on several occasions with various issues, so you’re much appreciated. Glad to see my boys here back to excellent disscusion, as per usual.

As for the state of bunting in 18, sadly I have two rules in my franchise and they both revolve around bunting, so that’s not good, heh: 1.) I always throw to 1B when the CPU bunts because it’s just too easy to throw the lead runner out or often even to turn a DP, so the CPU is also plagued by overpowered bunts, and 2.) as a directional hitter, I always use Quick Manage when I need to sac bunt, which is usually at least a couple times per game as an NL team. Maybe I wouldn’t have to do this if there’s some sort of secret sauce for Zone guys to lay one down, but no matter what I do with either stick (I use analog flick to swing), I just can rarely ever get a decent bunt with directional. Aiming down or anywhere with the left stick doesn’t do anything to deaden the ball unless you get lucky with the location of the pitch or what have you, and timing the bunt doesn’t seem to make much difference for me either.

So that’s where I’m at, so here’s hoping next year is better in this regard. Absolutely loving the game overall, of course.