[Goose]

I know lots of people on this board have complained about "the shift". The way I see it, if the batter is totally incapable of hitting the ball to the opposite field, he deserves what he gets. Belt could hit 0.350 if he just learned to place the ball in play toward the vacant side of the field. I know that isn't totally trivial to do, but if you are a professional player, you should be able to do that. You won't hit home runs that way, but you will get a lot of hits. Do that until they have to play you straight up.

Logical. 

 But the thinking in today’s game is singles don’t matter. Because teams aren’t going to bunch hits together. It’s walks and power. Look at the Giants. Their offense is centered on walks and HRs.  They strike out a ton. And they don’t situationally hit very well. Having said that they are  still one of the better offensive teams in the league right now statistically. 

If you want to look at the statistics that perhaps best explains the giants philosophy compare the number of walks they’ve taken with the number of walks they’ve given up. And the HRs hit vs given up. Very big differential. 

Walks have become more important than singles. So while what you said is logical, hitters just aren’t gonna do it. Because to an extent it’s playing into the opponents hands.

I agree that the Giants are living and dying by the long ball, but a sure, safe, hit is the same as a walk. The Giants need runners on base to make those HRs be more efficient. If you can tap the ball through the empty SS hole reliably, it is as good as a walk. Better than bashing the ball into a packed right side of the infield. Unfortunately, you are correct. Players just aren't going to do it, partly because it makes them look "weak". However, asking for a rule change to cater to this behavior is IMHO silly. Might as well put squares in the outfield too where every outfielder must stand until the ball is pitched. Defense does have a place in the game!

[Goose]

I know lots of people on this board have complained about "the shift". The way I see it, if the batter is totally incapable of hitting the ball to the opposite field, he deserves what he gets. Belt could hit 0.350 if he just learned to place the ball in play toward the vacant side of the field. I know that isn't totally trivial to do, but if you are a professional player, you should be able to do that. You won't hit home runs that way, but you will get a lot of hits. Do that until they have to play you straight up.

Logical. 

 But the thinking in today’s game is singles don’t matter. Because teams aren’t going to bunch hits together. It’s walks and power. Look at the Giants. Their offense is centered on walks and HRs.  They strike out a ton. And they don’t situationally hit very well. Having said that they are  still one of the better offensive teams in the league right now statistically. 

If you want to look at the statistics that perhaps best explains the giants philosophy compare the number of walks they’ve taken with the number of walks they’ve given up. And the HRs hit vs given up. Very big differential. 

Walks have become more important than singles. So while what you said is logical, hitters just aren’t gonna do it. Because to an extent it’s playing into the opponents hands.

I agree that the Giants are living and dying by the long ball, but a sure, safe, hit is the same as a walk. The Giants need runners on base to make those HRs be more efficient. If you can tap the ball through the empty SS hole reliably, it is as good as a walk. Better than bashing the ball into a packed right side of the infield. Unfortunately, you are correct. Players just aren't going to do it, partly because it makes them look "weak". However, asking for a rule change to cater to this behavior is IMHO silly. Might as well put squares in the outfield too where every outfielder must stand until the ball is pitched. Defense does have a place in the game!