Short Summary
- In baseball, players can position themselves anywhere on the field but usually arrange themselves based on the game situation.
- Traditional defensive alignments include strategies like playing at double play depth with middle infielders moving closer to second base.
- Corner infielders may position near the foul lines to prevent doubles.
- Adjustments can involve bringing infielders closer to the grass when a runner is on third to stop a potential run or prepare for a sacrifice bunt.
- Advances in data collection over the last decade have led teams to use spray charts to analyze where hitters tend to hit the ball.
- This data helps in shifting defenders to areas where the hitter is most likely to place the ball.
- For example, a defensive shift might involve a second baseman moving into the outfield or a shortstop shifting to the first side of second base based on the hitter’s tendencies.
- Fans watching a game can often deduce the defensive positioning based on the hitter’s history of where they typically hit the ball.
- These strategies aim to maximize the chances of making defensive plays.
- Understanding hitters’ tendencies is crucial for effective defensive alignment in baseball.
