Posted by: The Hitting Guru (hitman3527@aol.com) on Wed May 17 12:09:58 2006

> > BHL. As you know one of the most important concept in winning baseball is advancing the runner. This means that when a runner is at first base, you want to move him into scoring position. Scoring position is second or third base. The following are ways to do this:
> >
> > 1. bunt (giving away an out)
> >
> > 2. hit and run (hitting to the vacated area depending on if the second basemen or shortstop is covering)
> >
> > 3. getting a base hit
> >
> > 4. hitting a deep fly ball
> >
> > These are 4 basic ways to move the runner. But for the sake of the typical situation, the right side of the field should be used. And this means hitting a ground ball to the right side. Why? Because the firstbasemen is assumed to be holding the runner. This means more area is available to hit through. This will work for right or lefthand hitters. This just makes practical sense. And has been used since the game was invented. It is the inability to master this basic concept that results in double plays and the overall killing of big innings and or potential runs scored. It is okay to disagree, but at least keep these comments in mind the next time you watch a game.
>
> Yeah, but you are risking a double play.

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True. But it is much harder to execute the double play if the ball is hit toward first base than to other parts of the field. Also occassionally batters line out into double plays as well. It is not full proof, but the odds are in the favor of hitting to the vacated first base side. Also, generally the first baseman's range is limited at often the pitcher is responsible for covering first base when the ball is hit to that side. And as we have seen the more potential players involved, the greater chance they have for making a mistake.