Back to the basics. Way back in the day when I was playing ball in the park district league and even in high school and college the bunt was the most important play in the game whether you hit for average or for power. Depending on the situation in the game the bunt sign was always given to �help the team� win.
Now let�s turn our attention to the majors. When was the last time you saw Big Mac, Sammy Sosa or any other big time power hitter square for the bunt in a situation to advance the runner or even squeeze him in? If you can, God bless you because it is so rare I�d put my money on seeing hell freeze over before seeing such an act on the part of a power hitter. Now you have your exceptions. I have seen A-Rod do it a couple of times and even Jim Thome but think about the personalities of these guys. They are not playing the game for themselves they are playing it for the TEAM. Players of this calibur want to win no matter what the cost even if it means sacrificing a 400-foot bomb over getting their runners in scoring position. Heck, the times that I�ve seen them attempt it the bunt sign was probably not even on therefore a decision completely made by....more |
