Strategy and Tactics - Infield Positioning

Branch Rickey

Let me preface this blog entry by stating that any game-time tactical move, whether on offense or defense, carries with it some level of risk.  If there was no risk, well, what fun would that be?  Historically, strategy and tactics have been around since the 1800's with some moves growing in and out of popularity throughout the decades.  I also feel it necessary to mention two leaders who perfected strategies used at the turn of the century and today - Branch Rickey and Connie Mack.

With that out of the way let's discuss infield positioning. During a game you could hear any of the five basic infield positions cited - "standard", "double-play-depth", "infield-in", "infield-back" and "the shift".  You won't hear broadcasters mention standard positioning too much though, since it is, well - standard.  There are other positioning schemes which handle an array of circumstances such as pitcher and hitter tendencies, but let's stick with the five we mentioned since they are the ones utilized most often.

Standard

Standard positioning - the diagram shows the standard position the infielders take for most batters in most situations.  The first and third basemen are about five steps in and nine steps back from their bags.  The shortstop and second baseman are about six steps in and 12 steps back from their bags.  The infielders would probably move a step or two in either direction to account for hitter tendencies.

Double Play Depth

With a runner on first and less than two outs the manager may decide the conditions are right for double play depth.  Double play depth is almost the same as standard positioning except the infielders are a step or two closer to the batter and a step or two closer to second base.  This positioning will allow the middle infielders to get to second base faster and the corner infielders to get a ball to them quicker.



 The following conditions would warrant bringing your infield in:

1. The score is tied or your team is one or two runs behind.



Infield In

2. Runner on third with fewer than two outs.
3. It's late in the game - 8th or 9th inning

Bringing the infield in will allow a play at the plate, thus preventing a run - the play at home is a must.  Now remember the risk factor discussed above.  There is an old saying that goes like this - "Bringing the infield in makes a .250 hitter a .300 hitter".  That's the trade off here.  As you can see the infielders play just beyond, or on the grass.

Infield Back

Playing with the infield back typically says - "OK,  'other team', we'll give you this run (which we will make up later), but we're getting an out in the process".  The position is usually done with a runner on third, no outs or one out and early in a close game. The positioning is a step or two back from the standard.

The Shift

Now for "The Shift".  This always seemed a little gimmicky to me, but many managers are using it more and more these days.  Joe Maddon of the Rays uses it most.  I'm not sure who invented the Shift, but it became famous when used by the Cardinals against Ted Williams of the Red Sox in the 1946 World Series.  It was so successful that other teams used it against Williams.  Today the Shift is used by teams when facing players like Ryan Howard, David Ortiz and Adam Dunn.  The Shift is used against dead pull hitters - usually lefties who hit the ball to the right side a high percentage of the time.  The set up for the Shift is shown here.


So there you have the five basic infield positions.  Next time  you're watching a game on TV and you hear one of these mentioned, the camera may not show the infield but you can see the resulting play and how it evolved.  Better yet, next time your taking in a game live, make a point of watching the infield.

Note - the above images were created by software called  Baseball Playbook by Jes-software.

Thanks for reading
-Tom