2014 World Series thread

Butler's ability to hit lefties is the only reason he's in the majors at this point.

 

Love the bunt to beat the shift. I don't know why we don't see that a half-dozen times a game.

 

Moustakas has done it once this postseason, but it worked so I guess they won't try it again.

 

Why not lay one down with Dyson last inning? He's got as good a shot at getting on that way as swinging away and at least you force the Giants to make the right play with a guy on second. With Shields coming up, why not try to make something happen after that double when Madison scatters the hits so effectively?

 

What does a bunt get you even if it is successful?

 

With Dyson, he has at least as good a shot getting on against Bumgarner with a bunt as he does swinging. Odd are he was going to swing three times and miss, doing nothing. He bunts, maybe he gets on. Maybe you have first and third with one out. Or maybe Infante at third with two outs so at least Posey has to make sure he keeps the ball away from the backstop.

 

The problem with that is you then have the pitcher up with two outs. Granted Shields isn't a slouch with the bat, but unless you are willing to pull him in that spot, and Shields has pitched his butt off to this point, you likely strand the runner at third. It isn't worth it at that point when outs are at a premium.

 

I don't think taking away the breaking ball is a huge consideration when they're facing Shields at the plate.

It's frustrating, but there isn't much to do tonight. Bumgarner has allowed one runner to second base.

 

I get that with anyone else in the linup, but Dyson didn't have a chance in hell at getting on swinging the bat.

 

One question, why are the Fox announcers all hot and bothered about pinch hitting for Dyson? You willing to give up late defense? The reason why Aoki isn't playing is for defense at ATT. And with the pitcher's spot due up, why not take the risk with Dyson and then get your slugger up?

 

They needed Shields in the game more. They had no options for the fifth and sixth innings.

It wasn't much of a consideration either way. Bringing Butler in would yield one run max. They need to save him for a bigger spot.

 

Damn, that was a shot.
Getting hit that hard in the chest could stop one's heart.