MLB Rules question.

AS everyone knows, If you bunt foul with two strikes, you're out. But how does the MLB define a bunt? I'm asking because a check swing I saw from Frank Menechino yesterday, in my opinion, could easily have been seen as a bunt. Just wondering.

AS everyone knows, If you bunt foul with two strikes, you're out. But how does the MLB define a bunt? I'm asking because a check swing I saw from Frank Menechino yesterday, in my opinion, could easily have been seen as a bunt. Just wondering.

I would define a bunt as when you move your top hand up the barrel of the bat and turn your body...

It's a judgment call by the umpire. If the umpire decides that the player was attempting to check his swing, he can call it a swing rather than a bunt even if the bat was technically stopped at the time the ball hit it.

Generally it's not hard to discern a bunt attempt from a check swing, but I don't know if there's a technical way to define it. Not every batter runs his hands up the barrel, or squares himself to the pitcher to bunt.

The movement of the top hand would probably be the deciding factor in all calls. On check swings, your hands are generally going to remain in the same place on the bat. The problem is that some rightys will barely move their top hand on a drag bunt, however it is fairly easy to tell when a player is not trying to bunt.

While we're asking questions...

What is the "Infield Fly" rule?

One more question, as it seems like the thing to do. Its a stat one.

I am in a baseball league, and Holds are a category. Honestly though, I am really not sure how a pitcher records one, so I have had trouble finding a good pitcher for holds.

Thanks in advance.

While we're asking questions...

What is the "Infield Fly" rule?

Basically, its runners on 1st and 2nd, or bases loaded and less than 2 outs...its there to prevent an infielder from purposely dropping a fly ball in order to turn an easy double play.

One more question, as it seems like the thing to do. Its a stat one.

I am in a baseball league, and Holds are a category. Honestly though, I am really not sure how a pitcher records one, so I have had trouble finding a good pitcher for holds.

Thanks in advance.

Im not sure on this, but I think a hold is when a pitcher comes in in what would be a save situation, but doesnt pitch long enough to get the save.....basically what a set up man does.

One more question, as it seems like the thing to do. Its a stat one.

I am in a baseball league, and Holds are a category. Honestly though, I am really not sure how a pitcher records one, so I have had trouble finding a good pitcher for holds.

Thanks in advance.

Although i've never read an offical rule on it, I believe holds to be relievers keeping a lead for their team in between the time the potential winning pitcher leaves the game and the closer.

So, in the case of the Jays, Lily pitches 6 and leaves with a lead, he is in line of a win.... Lightenberg pitches 1, and Spier pitches 1, then Frasor comes in for the 9th.

Assuming the lead is kept that whole time, Lily gets the win, Lightenberg and Spier get holds (holding the lead) and Frasor takes the save.

On the otherhand, keep in mind this is all theoretical because the Jays suck and Lightmeupenberg can't pitch his way out of a soggy paper bag.

Guy's like F-Rod in Anaheim, Marte in Chicago, and most lefty specialists are good for this category... could be closers but are still in setup roles.

Although i've never read an offical rule on it, I believe holds to be relievers keeping a lead for their team in between the time the potential winning pitcher leaves the game and the closer.

So, in the case of the Jays, Lily pitches 6 and leaves with a lead, he is in line of a win.... Lightenberg pitches 1, and Spier pitches 1, then Frasor comes in for the 9th.

Assuming the lead is kept that whole time, Lily gets the win, Lightenberg and Spier get holds (holding the lead) and Frasor takes the save.

On the otherhand, keep in mind this is all theoretical because the Jays suck and Lightmeupenberg can't pitch his way out of a soggy paper bag.

Guy's like F-Rod in Anaheim, Marte in Chicago, and most lefty specialists are good for this category... could be closers but are still in setup roles.
Thanks, everything makes sense, except for the Jays! I love 'em, even if they are off to a slow start this year :joker:

A better example would have been Chulk coming in and pitching the 8th, but now I'm just getting picky ;)

I KNOW TOO MUCH NOW!!! :lol

One more question, as it seems like the thing to do. Its a stat one.

I am in a baseball league, and Holds are a category. Honestly though, I am really not sure how a pitcher records one, so I have had trouble finding a good pitcher for holds.

Thanks in advance.

Its when a MRP keeps his team upfront...which is considered a hold.

Someone completely describe a balk to me please. What does the pitcher have to do for it to be one?

Someone completely describe a balk to me please. What does the pitcher have to do for it to be one?

There are many instances of a balk. It's pretty hard to list them all without a rule book, but I'll try my best.

Basically it's any play where the pitcher tries to decieve the runner unfairly.There are some balks that don't fit this definition but most do. Some examples of balks:

1. A RHP (right handed pitcher) is in the set with a runner on 1st. He moves to throw to 1st. He doesn't throw. Balk. A LHP would never do this, as he is facing first, but if he does, it is a balk as well.

2. Runner on 1st. LHP or RHP (most commonly RHP). Runner steals early. The pitcher, without stepping off, turns and throws to second. Balk. Illegal to throw to an unoccupied bag without disembarking the rubber.

3. Runner on 1st. LHP. In set, lifts leg, motions toward the plate, throws to first after breaking the 45 degree angle between his leg pointing towards 1st and home. Complicated rule and very subjective. Hard to call for an umpire. Called "breaking the 45". Balk.

4. RHP or LHP. Runner anywhere. Lift your heel a half inch or an inch. Even motion it a bit. Balk. Can't move any part of your body without doing some action ie picking off or pitching.

5. RHP or LHP. Not coming completely "set". Taking the sign, coming back nearly to the set, but not quite the set, then going forward with the pitch. Balk. A pitcher must come to a complete stop.

6. Dropping the ball while on the rubber with a runner on. I've done it once before with a runner on third, the most embarrassing moment of my baseball career. Really crappy way to balk.

I'm sure I'm missing a few instances of balks, but those are the main ones.

Hope I shed some light on the rule for you.

I own a book all about balks, it's currently holding up my coffee table and is written by demons as far as i can tell.... balks can be talked about for days, but I think the post above essentially got it right.

My favorite part about the rule is the whole "deceiving the runner" part :banghead:

a bunt is defined by your motion not result, so a check swing which taps the ball is not a bunt

a person described it accurately above, it's when you put your hand on top and turn