Defense tactics.

[Rod]

Well, this is not about OOTP2006 because I'm playing an older version for the moment and I have this question:

When you are in field, you get the option to "pitch" and then "guard lines" and "corners in". What does this mean and which situations do you execute these tactics?

I look forward to your answer.

[Bluenoser]

Guard lines is something you would do late in a close game. Say for example you have a 2-1 lead going into the 9th inning. You might instruct your 1st & 3rd baseman to guard the lines (play closer to the line) to prevent the hitter from getting a double or triple down the line to put the tying run in scoring position. Of course this makes the holes in the middle infield a little bigger and increases the chance of the hitter getting a single, but in this situation you would much rather give up a single than a double or triple.

[Rod]

Ok, thanks.

What about "corners in"?

[Bluenoser]

Corners In - if you suspect the batter is going to bunt, you play your Corners In (1st and 3rd baseman) to increase the chance of them fielding the ball quickly and getting the out.

An example similar to above. Your team is leading 2-1 in the 9th. The opposing team has a player on 1st with less than 2 outs. The batter may attempt to bunt to move the runner into scoring position. You set your corners in to try and field the bunt quickly and get the runner going from 1st to 2nd. At the very worst you should at least get the hitter out before he reaches first. If your corners are playing back, not only will the hitter execute a sacrifice (move the runner to 2nd) but there's a very good chance he'll beat out the bunt and be safe on 1st.

[Rod]

Thanks very much.

While you explained "corners in", I wondered "Then why do I choose infield in when I suspect they bunt?"

So, now I'm really wondering why and when you use "infield in" and "outfield in". When I get this clear, the entire mystery is cleared. (Now I also know why I lose so many games.)

[Bluenoser]

Infield in is basically all 4 infielders playing in. Situation - 9th inning, you have a 2-1 lead. Opposing team has a runner on 3rd with less than 2 out. You play the inflied in to cut off any ground ball quickly, forcing the runner at 3rd to hold there or risk being thrown out. If the infield played back at normal depth, the runner at 3rd has a better chance to score on a ground ball out.

Outfield in - Same situation, you lead 2-1, opposing team has a runner at 3rd with less than 2 outs. A SAC fly would score this runner. Playing the infield in decreases the chance of a bloop single (something hit between the infield and outfield) and allows the outfielder who catches the ball the chance to get the ball to home plate much quicker should the runner at 3rd decide to run. Chances are the opposing team has a pretty fast guy at 3rd base, so you'd want to get the ball in quickly.

Outfield in is used pretty much in a tie game though, rather than when you have a 1 run lead. I wouldn't play my outfield in with a 1 run lead, because even if the run scores, you still haven't lost the game. In a tie game I would. Especially if you're the visitor and it's the bottom of the 9th, because if you keep the game tied, you get another turn at the plate (top of the 10th).

The risk with playing the outfield in is if the batter hits a dep fly ball, the chances of an outfielder getting to it are very slim.

[Rod]

Wow. Thanks. That clears up a lot!