Bush League Debates: The Streak-ending Intentional Walk
One of the main reasons for starting this blog was to discuss strategy and to provide my own personal insights to other issues that mask themselves as strategy. “Bush League Debates” is going to be an ongoing column here to discuss those issues that lie somewhere in between. I’ll be selecting a topic, providing the argument for and against it being bush league, and then making an educated assessment. If the topic discussed is determined to be Bush League, I will also include a just punishment for the offense. Some of you will agree and others will not, but hopefully it will elicit some feedback in the comments section. Without further adieu, the first installment of “Bush League Debates”…
The Situation: It’s a player’s last at-bat of a game, and said player is in the middle of a serious hit streak. Let’s say, for argument’s sake, the minimum number of games for this to be applicable is 30. The player batting does not represent the tying run. Let’s say it’s a three run game with a runner on first base in the 9th inning. Is it acceptable to intentionally walk the batter?
Why It’s Acceptable: A three-run lead can dissipate in relatively few pitches, and when dealing with a player who is hot enough to achieve a 30-game hitting streak, it’s not too far-fetched to think about doling out a free pass. Walking him (whether it be the intentional walk or the unintentional intentional walk) still keeps the double play in tact and effectively takes the bat out of a very dangerous hitter’s hands. It simultaneously applies a heavy dose of pressure on the guy up next, as he will be asked to “protect” the hot hitter. In addition to all of this, it obviously ends a player’s hit streak.
Why It’s Bush League: Anything short of a late September game with playoff implications should mean that players on both sides should be challenging their opponent. Regardless of whether his team is up 3 or down 3, the pitcher should have the confidence to challenge any batter. Providing a free pass is cowardly and unacceptable, because the worst thing that can happen is a two run homerun; if his team his down three in the ninth, being down 5 isn’t terribly earth-shattering, and if his team is up 3, they will still maintain the lead if the hitter goes yard.
The Verdict: Walking a batter who does not represent the tying run in the final frame of a game is unquestionably Bush League.
The Penalty: Offenders of this rule, whether it be a manager, pitcher, or both, are subject to endless ridicule and must wear a League of Their Own woman’s skirt uniform for three games.
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Reader Comments
I agree that this move is Busch League. My question for all of the other readers is this: Is it Bush league if the pitcher hits the batter with a pitch instead of the conventional “intentional walk?” I feel like the bean ball is grossly under-used/rated in modern day baseball, hell if your gonna walk the guy, might as well hurt him while your at it, kill 2 birds with one stone? Keep in mind these comments are coming from someone who has never played baseball, hence no etiquette.
In this instance, I, personally, would not do it, though, there are some variables left out.
If there is one out and a weaker batter to come in this spot, not Bush League, but not terribly smart. Double play is still setup to end the game, however it was there with Mr. Streak. 3 run homer to tie now in play.
2 outs, more stupid than Bush League. No reason at all to bring the tying run to the plate.
Zero outs, just plain stupid to put the tying run at the plate, unless there’s an open base. You can get to 2 outs, bases empty in one pitch. Why throw that opportunity away?
You let the situation dictate the move. Never would I put a win in jeopardy for a streak. I’m also a big fan of Ben Davis drag bunting away Curt Schilling’s perfect game back whenever that was. One run game, situation dictated a need for runners. In this spot, never would be the right move.
Absolutely Bush (or is it Busch?) League. If the runner were at second, then walking him would be a regular, if not smart baseball move. With the runner on first, however, the force is still intact at second so you try to induce the double play. Throw sinkers like hell and hope for the best.
I thought of that play too, Spurt, which got a lot of run when it happened. Hey, if bunting for a hit makes sense, and you are in position to tie or win the game, you do it.
Mooney, I don’t know what to say to that other than you should not advocate intentional bean balls on demand. Yes, the intentional bean ball is an important part of the game, but it is used to police the players not to put runners on base or avoid pitching to someone. And it is not cool to advocate intentionally hurting players on the other team. That would be down right cowardly and a complete punk move (as well as Busch/Bush League itself). Great topic for another discussion, though, and I could go on for hours. Good food for thought.
I agree with Sean, that you should challenge the batter in question. It’s the 9th, so it should be your closer in the game if you are up by three runs, and your closer better not be wearing panties. Either throw the sinker to induce the DP, or throw the heat and try to sit him down.
Nice topic here… I agree it’s totally bush league. If the runner at the plate is not representing the tying run and its not a significant down the stretch game then its bush league.
Baseball is a game of history and tradition and in a somewhat meaningless situation a hitters streak should not be taken away by a walk.
As far as the curt schilling situation is concerned I think that is even more bush league and am surprised to hear those supporting that move.
That was a 2-0 game in the 8th inning and it was the begining of the season, only like 40 some games in… there was nothin riding on that game.. The Padres were just embarrassed becasue they ahd been no hit like 2 weeks prior…