Situation is less than 1 out and a runner on first. A bunt goes back to the pitcher. We had the SS covering on a steal and he broke to the bag with the runner.

Who is responsible for covering 3rd base? The runner on first took the extra base because 3rd was left uncovered. I always thought the shortstop should rotate over to third. Should we have had the 2nd baseman cover the bag on a steal?

Thoughts?


Bill

In this situation you should make the 3rd baseman stay covering 3rd. You make it the pitchers responsibility to cover the whole right side of the infield. While the pitcher covers the right side the first baseman should cover the left side. Imagine the plate being split in half; pitcher is right side, first baseman is left.

Another solution is IF the the third basman does not field the bunt but the pitcher or firstman do, then after not flieding the ball he has turn around and sprint back to the uncovered 3rd base.

Of course the situation varies on the players you have and the runners speed. If you have a quicker 3rd baseman then maybe the 2nd option would be better for your team. Especailly if you dont have a pitcher with some good speed to not only field his position but also cover the 3rd basemans duties as well.

But if you have a good athlete on the mound then maybe the 1st opption is better.

Honestly the way I like more is the 2nd because your 3rd baseman coming in on a ball has a greater chance to get the runner out at firstbase if the ball is bunted to him, rather than the pitcher who usually has to rush more and sometimes make an offbalance throw.

The most important thing with the second option is that your 3rd baseman gets back to 3rd if he doesnt get the bunted ball. This bunt coverage requires a little practice for the 3rd baseman for him to remember to run back a cover the base. But all in all is the most effective way I have seen it done.

Hope this info helps you.

Batter shows bunt and the steal is on SS covers 2nd- 2nd base covers 1st. 1st and 3rd charge. pitcher fields his area in front of the mound. If the 3b doesnt field the bunt - he returns to 3B. If the 3rd basemen does field it, the catcher covers 3B, as he should be popping out and running in that direction of the bunted ball.

Was it a left handed hitter at the plate? If not, the 2B should be covering on the steal. If 2B is covering I'd have 1st stay home, 3rd charge, and short cover 3rd. If it was a lefty I'd have short cover on the steal, third stay home, and first charge.

Thanks for all the input.

I learned a lot.

More input is welcome too.


Okay, I realize that as the boys move up levels the coverage is typically with a lefty the ss coves and with a righty batting the 2nd baseman covers.

Do you make exceptions based on the pitcher on the mound or just stick with the percentages?


Thanks,



BIll