4-Man Outfield Idea

[ABC]

http://blogs.denverpost.com/rockies/2016/04/25/rockies-weiss-4-man-outfield-wont-fly-at-coors-field/21933/

 

[arch stanton]

Winning at Coors Field has never really been the problem for the Rockies. Weiss needs to be concentrating on how to win games on the road.

[Angelsjunky]

It seems like one of those ideas like closer-by-committee that sounds good on paper but doesn't work in the real world. I'm guessing that some hits would be prevented with a 4-man outfield, but far more singles would be added through not having a SS or 2B.

[Stradling]

If it worked it would work for a very short period of time and eventually would lead to the end of the shift.

[AngelsLakersFan]

Aren't we already seeing the 4 man outfield when guys like Chris Davis bat? Typically you have the shortstop sliding over to second and the second basemen playing shallow right field.

[red321]

I think it's awesome that the columnist wrote the column on Sunday and than rushed to the park the next day and said..."hey...did you read my article!!!"

 

Reminds me of the co-worker who writes you an email and then follows it up immediately with a phone call to let you know they sent you an email...and then texts you to let you know they called and you didn't answer (because you were reading their ridiculous email) so they left you a message about an email they sent.

Edited April 26, 2016 by red321

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

We could go all King and his Court (pitcher, catcher, first baseman, and shortstop)...... 

[laagamer]

I think a ML hitter could manage a groundball the opposite way.

[happybat4]

I think a ML hitter could manage a groundball the opposite way.

Rarely happens on shifts. Players are stubborn and just hit away.

[ELEVEN]

The Rockies would be better served by putting their 4th OF behind the fence.

[Stradling]

I hope this leads to more hitters using the entire field, just makes for a better game.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Stradling

[zenmaster]

And on the groundball prone batters they should use 7 infielders.

[Blarg]

Most of the shifts I've seen have been for left handed batters. Am I just thinking this is true or do most left handers pull the ball more?

[tomsred]

Most of the shifts I've seen have been for left handed batters. Am I just thinking this is true or do most left handers pull the ball more?

 

It might be because when a runner reaches first base, the first baseman has to hold him close and that creates a big hole for a left handed bat to pull the ball through.  So the shift protects against that somewhat.  Other than that, I am out of ideas.

[ELEVEN]

It might be because when a runner reaches first base, the first baseman has to hold him close and that creates a big hole for a left handed bat to pull the ball through. So the shift protects against that somewhat. Other than that, I am out of ideas.

Sounds legit. Of course if it's bullshit, it's really good bullshit. Kudos.

[tomsred]

Sounds legit. Of course if it's bullshit, it's really good bullshit. Kudos.

 

LOL, ........ everything posted here is bullshit.

[Aaronkv]

The Angels 4th outfielder is Simmons.

[Tank]

so, basically a rover.

 

i miss playing softball.

[Tank]

on the serious side, because of things like spray charts these days, there could be times where you position players in unusual places because of a hitters' tendencies. if that means a 4th outfielder in a few situations, why not? as AJ said, there are plenty of times where we already see the second baseman positioned as a shallow right fielder.

 

and as someone else pointed out, hitters are pretty predictable and rather hit into the gap created by a shift.