Why do they bring fielders in?

Question

I am somewhat familiar with baseball strategy, but one thing I haven't quite figured out is this: at certain times, I can't figure out when, the announcer will note that "they now have the fielders in (or out).

What are times when you'd bring fielders in/out? One obvious time to bring them in is a likely bunting situation - man on first/second, <2 outs, especially if the pitcher is up. But if there's two strikes would you move them back out because of the two strike bunt into foul territory rule?

There must be lots of other situations... please enlighten me. Thanks! 10 points to the most thorough answer.

Answer 1

to make sure they keep the tie or go ahead run for scoring., or extra run.

those are the reasons

Answer 2

Usally to cut off a run at home.  Also there might be a weak hitter like a pitcher at bat that cant hit it far.

Answer 3

it could be a weak hitter like juan pierre who cant hit it that far

Answer 4

Well, one thing for sure you do know your baseball! Another strategy is they could use it for intimidation at times or even if they know that the batter is weak in that type of position.

Answer 5

Also if there&#039;s a runner on third with less than two outs you&#039;ll usually see the infield come in to try and get the runner out at home on a ground ball.(if it&#039;s a close game)

Sometimes in that situation if there&#039;s also a runner on first and 1 out then you&#039;ll see the middle infielders play at double play depth to try and get an inning ending double play.

Other than bunting this would be the only other situation where you would bring the infield in.

Answer 6

If it&#039;s late in a close game the infielders will play in with a runner on third and less than two outs.  The purpose is so they get the ball quicker and have a shorter throw to home so the run won&#039;t score.  The downside is the infielders won&#039;t have as much range so a ball hit to their left or right may make it into the outfield when if the infield was at their normal depth they would have been able to field it.

The outfielders can also be moved in but that&#039;s generally only if the winning run in on third base in the bottom of the last inning with less than two outs.  They want to be able to throw the runner out at home on a fly ball.  If they move in for other situations they risk the batter hitting it over their head.

Answer 7

Once each game, the defensive manager can chose to &quot;bring in&quot; his fielders, reducing the game to a duel between pitcher and hitter. If the pitcher manages to strike the hitter out, the defensive team gets a &quot;three-for-oner&quot; and the inning is over after just one batter. It is a very risky move, though, because if the batter is at all able to hit the ball into play, it is an automatic forfeit for the defensive team. Also, if a team has five of these forfeits in a season, they are eliminated from the playoffs, regardless of their record.