MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

[Funkycorm]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Thank you all so much...I am delighted with the response...and they have been a huge help.
I asked these questions via Twitter and no-one offered any explanations lol

May I ask some further?
I have been watching and reading about the amazing Shohei Ohtani --
I understand that he is rather unique in that he is a two way player and that one in every five (or so games) he is the Angels Starting Pitcher, right?
So, may I ask, on days where he is Pitching, does he also Bat, or on Pitching days is he given a rest at the plate?

Last time I was this engaged with the MLB, (pre Pandemic) Brewers Christain Yelich (another favourite) was MVP esque---so imagine my surprise popping back 2 years later to see his 2020-21 Stats.
Intrigued I read about his struggles , in particular "barell rate":
Can anyone explain what they mean barrel rate eg: "Yelich`s "plummeting barrel rate"- and what can the player do to correct this?

Thank you again so much.
Johnny

So for Ohtani when he pitches he only pitches usually. I think in NL games where pitchers hit, he might have hit. I don't follow the Angels enough to know that. But with universal DH now, he will likely only pitch those days.

As far as barrel rate, it is kind of hard to explain. Simply, the better the barrel rate, the better a player is hitting.

Here is an article from a few years back about it. It will explain it better than I could.

https://www.mlb.com/news/new-statcast-metric-barrels-has-best-hit-balls-c201699298

[Seancefc]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Ahh, I love to see it. I lived in Sussex for a year as a uni exchange student about 15 years ago, wonderful times.

I'm the opposite of you, I'm an American who likes cricket. I bet coming from a cricket country it would be difficult to conceive why MLB would want to limit where the fielders position themselves. Would love to see a slips cordon in baseball, haha.

You’re not going to get many volunteers for that fielding position! Haha.

[CBoller1331]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Just want to pop in and say this is an awesome thread. Its really cool to find fans of the game in countries where it is not popular. I also think its fun to see the game broken down like this, you don't always think about the simpler stuff, and some people have different philosophies from others.

Also forgive me for reading all your posts in a British accent in my head

[johnnydrum]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Just want to pop in and say this is an awesome thread. Its really cool to find fans of the game in countries where it is not popular.
Also forgive me for reading all your posts in a British accent in my head

I thank you!
Its been a great help....
Of course one can study the statistics, and learn all the players, but I couldnt find "what" (or which particular skills) determines where a player plays....As one of the poster informs me about the "handedness" is a factor, I found myself "making imaginary throws from 3rd to 1st etc to test the "awkwardsness"...lol (much to the perplexed bemusment of my new Wife)

Despite having over a 1000 followers on Twit, I couldnt even muster up a response to questions posed there, so I am extremely gratefull to everyone here....
Just goes to show, that is "life" beyond "social media"--when some would consider such discussion boards as "obsolete"!!

[Seancefc]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Just want to pop in and say this is an awesome thread. Its really cool to find fans of the game in countries where it is not popular. I also think its fun to see the game broken down like this, you don't always think about the simpler stuff, and some people have different philosophies from others.

Also forgive me for reading all your posts in a British accent in my head

I wouldn’t say it’s not popular, we have an MLB game every night on our version of ESPN, with a game from the night before also shown during the day. The London series had a huge demand for tickets and was attended well over the series. We do have teams which compete in the British baseball league but it’s not upto much admittedly (I know because I used to play!).

NFL has more draw but I think a lot of that is down to game times being more friendly than baseballs. Being able to watch the mets live is a rarity as most game times start around midnight for us.

[olecrankygamer]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

in today's MLB it makes no difference

Just put your best BB/HR guy at any position they fit, errors matter very little in today's game

if two HR.BB guys are similar
For 2b put the weakest arm, 3b the best arm
Same for LF, weak arm, RF strong arm

But it has very little effect...if you have a 80 bb 80 HR RF with a 40 arm, keep him there over a less HR.BB with a strong arm

That's it

[IndianSummer]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

As you can tell there are a lot of different theories on how to set your team up. I thought I would throw this in as well, I also like to build my team according to the home park. If your playing with the Rockies, Royals, Mets etc. they have very large outfield area to cover. I usually try to find good speed guys to cover all that territory in the outfield.

[johnnydrum]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Hiya me beauties!
Wonder if you could answe yet another question?
Just saw this Rule Change on the MLB website:
"The automatic runner on second base in extra innings will return for the entirety of the 2022 season, but not beyond. A runner will be placed at second base during the start of each half inning..."

So, who/what decides who the Over Time Base Runner will be?
Does it have to stay in Batting Order? Or Can it be someone brought off the bench?

Hope you are all well and counting down the days!

[jcar0725]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Hiya me beauties!
Wonder if you could answe yet another question?
Just saw this Rule Change on the MLB website:
"The automatic runner on second base in extra innings will return for the entirety of the 2022 season, but not beyond. A runner will be placed at second base during the start of each half inning..."

So, who/what decides who the Over Time Base Runner will be?
Does it have to stay in Batting Order? Or Can it be someone brought off the bench?

Hope you are all well and counting down the days!

"The runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning in extras will be the player in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning’s leadoff hitter, or a pinch-runner. So, if the No. 7 hitter in the order is due to lead off, the No. 6 hitter (or a pinch-runner for the No. 6 hitter) would be placed on second base."

- from the MLB website

[Seancefc]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

All for the runner at second in extra innings. Although I can’t seem to decide on the best tactic when playing! Have tried sac bunting the runner to third- which seems to bite you on the *** more often than not! And trying for the base hit with my 3 outs rarely seems to pan out for me either! Maybe I should stop playing as the Mets?

Either way it adds a bit of extra excitement along with shorter games. Win/win for me.

[johnnydrum]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Hiya all....Hope you are all well and enjoying the MLB in real life, and of course, the Show.
May I ask some more questions (as you were all very kind and patient)

Firstly.....Why "bunt?"---I mean, I understand its a tactic to perhaps catch the Defence off guard (right?) what situation would require the "bunt"-- (and when wouldnt you bunt?)

Secondly--What type of pitch does a Pitcher use to try an generate a ground ball to create a double play?---I presume a throw that is "dipping" so the batter strikes it "downwards"??----just so I know for when i am playing.

Thank you , you beautties!!

[Caulfield]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Hiya all....Hope you are all well and enjoying the MLB in real life, and of course, the Show.
May I ask some more questions (as you were all very kind and patient)

Firstly.....Why "bunt?"---I mean, I understand its a tactic to perhaps catch the Defence off guard (right?) what situation would require the "bunt"-- (and when wouldnt you bunt?)

Secondly--What type of pitch does a Pitcher use to try an generate a ground ball to create a double play?---I presume a throw that is "dipping" so the batter strikes it "downwards"??----just so I know for when i am playing.

Thank you , you beautties!!

a sinker, or a 2 seam fastball with highish movement, is good for groundball

as for bunting, the new school of thinking is bunting is bad, you're just giving away outs. especially w/every team using the DH now.
I still say if it's the 8th inning or later (or maybe even as early as the 7th inning) and you only need 1 run, bunting can definitely be useful

there's a LOT more I could say on bunting, it's a lost art. it's too bad Sony had to fudge it up for everyone offline because of a few bad apples online

[Funkycorm]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

I will add to the above in terms of pitches.

A slider is also a good option as well as a low, almost out of the zone change up generates a lot of ground balls.

My go to strike out pitch tends to be a low change up so it has 2 advantages.

Now the downside is that if I hang it over the plate, it can be crushed. Just like all pitches, it's risk/reward.

Glad to see you enjoying the game and learning more about baseball.

[Seancefc]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

Hiya all....Hope you are all well and enjoying the MLB in real life, and of course, the Show.
May I ask some more questions (as you were all very kind and patient)

Firstly.....Why "bunt?"---I mean, I understand its a tactic to perhaps catch the Defence off guard (right?) what situation would require the "bunt"-- (and when wouldnt you bunt?)

Secondly--What type of pitch does a Pitcher use to try an generate a ground ball to create a double play?---I presume a throw that is "dipping" so the batter strikes it "downwards"??----just so I know for when i am playing.

Thank you , you beautties!!

Johnny, I recommend a book called ‘watching baseball smarter’ you’ll understand the game much better and it’s an enjoyable read.

There are a few scenarios in which you could/would bunt.

Let’s say you’ve got runners on first and second with less than two outs (ideally no outs) and one of your poorer hitters at the plate, or maybe a hitter having a bad day. One way to limit the chance of hitting into a double-play would be to sacrifice bunt in order to get both runners into scoring position.

You could also bunt for a hit with a faster hitter, who might beat out a throw from third. Be aware of where the infielders at the corners are placed though.

I lost count of how many bunts were in the mets game yesterday so I’m not quite sure we’ve seen the last of it yet, despite the DH now being in the NL.

As I said, get that book, you’ll enjoy it- it’s on the kindle store if you have one.

[Mackrel829]

Re: MLB Questions--Any MLB fans help a UK Old Timer

The skillset needed to play each position is primarily determined by two important factors:

1. The dimensions of the diamond
2. The fact that the majority of hitters will be right handed

First Base
Your first baseman is generally your worst fielder in the infield and is generally a better hitter than fielder.

As mentioned above, most hitters are right handed, so the majority of hits will be away from first base. The one fielding skill that's most important for a first baseman is being able to catch or pick throws from other infielders. Every time a ball is put in play, there will always be a runner going from the batter's box to first, so that's where the majority of outs will occur, and the second and third basemen, as well as the shortstop will therefore be throwing to first frequently.

A first baseman is typically someone whose bat is good enough that they need to be in the lineup but whose fielding is not good enough to play elsewhere.

Typical first baseman: Freddie Freeman

Second Base
Your second baseman is generally a good fielder, though not your best. Balls will be hit into the gap between first and second relatively often so they need to be able to field those balls effectively, and to have good range and mobility to cover ground. However, because most hitters will be right handed, ground balls will not come to second as often as they will go to the shortstop.

A second baseman's arm is generally weaker than other positions. The second baseman is halfway between first and second base, so they only need to throw a short distance to either base to get an out.

Typical second baseman: Jonathan India

Third Base
Your third baseman is generally an adequate fielder but, like the first baseman, they are typically in the lineup for their hitting rather than their fielding.

Because most hitters are right handed, the ball will be hit towards third more often than first. Additionally, if the ball is pulled all the way over towards third base or the foul line, it will typically be travelling very quickly. This is why third base is referred to as the 'hot corner', because balls will be coming at you hot. The third baseman therefore needs to be able to react quickly and make catches.

The other unique thing about the third baseman is their arm strength. As mentioned earlier, most outs will be made at first base. Because of his position on the diamond, the third baseman will be the furthest away from first, and therefore needs the strongest arm to zip the ball all the way across the diamond before the runner can reach base.

Because of the strength in their arm, third baseman are also typically power hitters.

Typical third baseman: Nolan Arenado

Shortstop
The shortstop is typically the most athletic and best fielder in the infield. Because most hitters are right handed, the majority of ground balls will be hit between second and third base. The shortstop needs elite quickness, mobility, and range to be able to reach and field these ground balls.

The shortstop should also have a strong arm, though maybe not quite as strong as the third baseman's. Though sometimes they will be making a short throw to second, often they will be required to throw from the shortstop hole directly to first, and these throws will often be made on the run or with unconventional body positioning.

Shortstops make the lineup because of their defensive capabilities, even if they cannot hit. That's why a shortstop that defends the position well and can also hit is one of the most valuable players in the game.

Typical shortstop: Francisco Lindor

Right Field
Like the third baseman, one of the most important things for a right fielder to possess is a strong arm. Right fielders will often be fielding fly balls, which means that there may be a runner trying to tag up to third or even get home on a sacrifice fly. The right fielder needs to be able to throw basically the distance of the entire field from his positions all the way to third base or home plate, so needs a huge arm to get this done. A big armed right fielder can also get the ball to second base quickly to prevent a runner from turning a single into a double.

Right fielders are typically slower and less mobile than other outfielders. They are tucked away in the corner of the outfield and do not have a large area of the field to cover. Like a third baseman, they are typically a big arm and a power bat.

Typical right fielder: Aaron Judge

Centre Field
Alongside the shortstop, the centre fielder is typically one of the best defenders on the field. They have the most ground to cover by far, and need speed and range to get under fly balls and make catches.

Like right fielders, centre fielders will often be making throws to second, third, or home plate so being able to throw accurately over long distances is also relatively important, though less so than other defensive skills.

Like the shortstops, many centre fielders will be in the lineup because of their defensive capabilities. A centre fielder that can defend their position to a high level and also hit is also a superstar.

Typical centre fielder: Mike Trout

Left Field
Left fielders typically do not excel at anything. If they did, they would likely be playing another position. Instead, they are typically simply solid all around players.

Left fielders do not typically have the arm strength of a right fielder. The throws to second, third, or home that are typically made by outfielders are a much shorter distance for the left fielder, given his starting position, so a weaker arm can still get the ball where it needs to be.

Similarly, left fielders do not typically have the range or defensive capabilities of a centre fielder. Like the right fielder, they are tucked away in the corner of the outfield and have less range to cover. If a ball is hit high, it will either be over the wall for a home run, or the left fielder will be able to position himself to catch it. If the ball is hit on the ground, the shortstop or third baseman will generally field the ball before it reaches the outfield.

Left fielders are typically a solid bat in the lineup with no real elite qualities.

Typical left fielder: Jessie Winker