re: New MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred "Open" to Eliminating Defensive Shifts

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Yes, you can only have one player in foul territory the catcher.



Yeah, I was just wondering if it has actually ever had to be enforced.

I've read somewhere that the umpire can warn the player and then eject him.

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In the 80's, Keith Hernandez used to take his position just outside the first-base like. A lefty, his glove hand would be in better position to field pick-off throws. He was made to take position back inside the lines, I believe after someone complained about it.


ETA More like one foot in and one foot outside the foul line.

You realize that St Louis gets an extra sandwich pick each year because they are deemed "small market".
More of the legacy of Selig, one of the worst major sports commissioners of the last 35 years.

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Then it isn't for you.

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Is this what baseball is going to say to all of the younger generations? Because a lot of the younger generation really isn't too interested in the game, compared to younger generations of the past.

If so, then that's a horrible strategy.

This is a business.

So where do you draw the line? You can only have 4 guys on the infield? What about a late game situation where you know a ball to the outfield will get you beat, so you bring in a 5th infielder? That shift is more situational and not based on the hitter.

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Shifts are a contributor, but not a big one. BIS estimated the number of runs saved via shifting in 2014 at 195 runs across the majors -- or 6.5 runs per team, on average, over the entire season.

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I'd be interested in knowing how they factored runs saved by shifting. To me, if the SS or 3B is playing traditional 2B, then the shift isn't responsible for the out if a ball is hit to that position.

Basically, in my opinion, the only time the shift "works" is when a hard hit ball goes to the 2B playing shallow RF. Otherwise, its just a ball hit to a normal position, just not a position being manned by the usual player.