[Goose]

Cal fans HATED Esquer and his proclivity to bunt. They felt he cost them many wins by sacrificing too much. The only time I would ever bunt is 1st and 2nd and no out if I needed one run to tie or take lead after 6 innings. If you have the lead, never bunt, ever. It’s best to try extending the lead and keep max pressure on the opposing pitchers. Don’t help them by giving up an out yourself.

Doesn't it at least have something to do with your expectations about the batter actually being able to get a hit? If the batter is an "average" hitter then I can see your point. But if the hitter isn't very good, or for some reason can't hit the particular opposing pitcher, isn't it better to get a productive out than just an out? Or worse, a double play? However, if the batter also can't bunt very well either, you really have a problem!

[Goose]

Cal fans HATED Esquer and his proclivity to bunt. They felt he cost them many wins by sacrificing too much. The only time I would ever bunt is 1st and 2nd and no out if I needed one run to tie or take lead after 6 innings. If you have the lead, never bunt, ever. It’s best to try extending the lead and keep max pressure on the opposing pitchers. Don’t help them by giving up an out yourself.

Doesn't it at least have something to do with your expectations about the batter actually being able to get a hit? If the batter is an "average" hitter then I can see your point. But if the hitter isn't very good, or for some reason can't hit the particular opposing pitcher, isn't it better to get a productive out than just an out? Or worse, a double play? However, if the batter also can't bunt very well either, you really have a problem!