The wheel! bunt defense

Coach Perry analyzing bunt defense

[@user-wm2zb4gp2d]

If the second baseman did his job and covered 1st, they would have had a double play and possibly a triple play if runner going to second tried to stretch for 3rd.

[@FightingLionsFans]

Zero reason for the 2B to stay at 2B. He can hold runner and still get to first in case of a bobble or a slow batter-runner who could possibly get doubled up.

[@qwezi818]

With a runner on first 2b, always has 2b

[@grinanbarreit8242]

tie game in the seventh with the bottom of the line-up... bunt called to move 2 runners into scoring position and stay out of a possible double play. that gives lead off an opportunity to just drive something hard and deep for a tag up, or possibly drive two runs in on a base hit. ground ball or shallow fly still gives you one more opportunity to drive a run or two in with two outs. as for defense, good call. good execution. i'd run the wheel with 0 outs to try to get the lead run to preserve the double play. if failed, you still have the force at home the next play then to first to double up. if successful, you eliminate the deep drive to tag possibility, you preserve the double play with 1 out, and only 1 runner in scoring position instead of 2.

[@justinbear7644]

what happens if he bunts up the first base line? 2nd base has to beat him there?

[@ncubt15]

I am a coach from Taiwan ,could you offer me the original film of this play? I want to teach my players in Chinese, thanks.

[@billybissell3270]

Ok not sure if you’re gonna see this but on this play why does the second basemen cover second instead of first; what if Arenado were to fumble the ball, do u think he would have enough time to make the play at second rather than first

[@josevega7680]

Totally agree. There is no point in covering 2nd because the runner will definitely be there after the out is made at 3rd so the only possible 2nd out is a throw to first.

[@bravebarnabas]

Covering 2nd keeps runner closer to 2nd and results in being out by a mile.

[@henrycarson5181]

On the wheel play, the second basemen has to be in the vicinity of the bag in order for the SS to break to cover 3rd. In other words, the 2B has to be (pretty aggressively) holding on the runner in order for the play to work. He can't do this and then get over to 1st to cover the bag. Hope that answers your question.

[@henrycarson5181]

you can see it pretty clearly at 5:09, if the second baseman isn't holding the runner on 2nd, the runner could get a much bigger lead and make it impossible for Story to beat him to the bag.

[@maxxprospects6227]

@@henrycarson5181 Hate the traditional wheel. The better version is to have the 1b on hard/soft especially with RH 1b. Tough play to 3b for RH. If Murphy reads that and breaks back its a double play. Wheel only works when batters allow it to.

[@CMeister28]

Wrong advice, 2nd covers 1st base not 2nd.

[@beavishulme180]

If you know he's bunting, why not move in the center fielder to cover 2nd and have a 5 man infield? Bring the right and left fielders a little more towards center to close the gap. In my mind, the 1B and 3B are charging, SS goes to cover 3rd, 2B covers first and CF covers second.

[@pavanatanaya]

It was a terrible bunt. The bunt should have been to the 1st base line. A right-handed 1st baseman cannot make that play very easily. Poor bunt in the situation. If he bunts it past the first baseman, there is nobody at the bag...Always hit behind the runners

[@bradperry1058]

I agree if you see the wheel play happening in front of you typically as a coach we would yell fire fire fire or some sort of Audible call to tell the batter to bunt down the first base side or maybe slash. However I think you would agree if you’re trying to move a runner to third you bunt to the third base side.

[@pavanatanaya]

@@bradperry1058 For me, it depends on the fielders. If the third baseman is way back, why not. But if they are hiding an unathletic bat at first base. I will make him do something athletic. Bunting is a very effective tactic. I especially like using it when the opposition acts like big ball is true baseball. Bunts executed accurately keep the defense honest. I especially like to see guys bunt against the shift