Cool article on the impact of Infield Shifts

NewRoxFan · Jun 7, 2019

Really interesting look at infield shifts.

MLB’S BEST POSITIONED INFIELDS

The Astros and Dodgers rank in the top ten (as expected), and other shift-heavy teams like the Rays, Pirates, and Yankees rate well. There are exceptions, however; the Cubs don’t shift much at all but have been well positioned, and the Orioles have rapidly increased their shift usage and rank at the bottom.
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But what if teams played with traditional, straight-up positioning on each of these grounders? With that positioning, what percentage of plays would they have an infielder close to the ball, and how does that compare to their actual percentages? Is there a benefit? Overall, teams have had a 2B, 3B, or SS within three degrees of the ball on 39% of these plays. If they played with straight-up positioning (using the average angles of infielders on non-shift plays), teams would have been close on 33% of these plays. The Diamondbacks have had the most benefit of moving their infielders around. They would have only been close on 30% of plays with traditional positioning, so their actual 41% rate is a significant boost.
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The Reds (39% actual vs. 28% with traditional), Yankees (43% vs. 33%), Tigers (40% vs. 30%), and Astros (40% vs. 31%) have also gained significant advantages.
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https://sportsinfosolutionsblog.com/2019/06/07/mlbs-best-positioned-infields/

Nook · Jun 7, 2019

NewRoxFan said: ↑

Really interesting look at infield shifts.

MLB’S BEST POSITIONED INFIELDS

https://sportsinfosolutionsblog.com/2019/06/07/mlbs-best-positioned-infields/

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Not surprised by the White Sox ranking, they are still stuck in how players were coaches and trained 30 years ago.

SemisolidSnake · Jun 7, 2019

Hinch got asked in a post-game interview yesterday or two days ago about the shifting on a certain play, and he said they're absolutely going to continue to shifting with no apologies. He said something like "You should at our numbers." Well, here are some public numbers that seem to back it up.

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Cool article on the impact of Infield Shifts

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