#BanTheShift
Should MLB ban the defensive shift? | The Tylt
Should MLB ban the defensive shift?
MLB teams are now regularly using the infield shift, a defensive tactic from the past to stop hitters who hit a volume of balls in one direction. Many feel the implementation of the strategy is cheap and robs the fans of more home runs. Others think it's just smart baseball and opposing hitters should be more complete hitters if they don't like the shift. What do you think? ⚾
Real-time Voting
Should MLB ban the defensive shift?
Baseball prides itself on beating someone straight up and "the right way." The defensive shift is neither straight up nor "the right way."
For as much hemming and hawing that baseball players do over the unwritten rules, the shift seems to go against them and their call for "fair play." Shifting a defense to basically take an entire side of the field out of play is the definition of cowardice. MLB needs to ban this gimmick that robs fans of more offense and more runs.
Words cannot describe how much I hate the shift... hate isn’t even strong enough. I’m glad he did this. Also, I wish the @MLB would ban teams from shifting. 2 players on each side of 2nd baseball should be a rule. It’ll definitely increase offense/runs https://t.co/7fTDenHG6f
— Chris (@marotta215) April 2, 2018
#ToughShiftCrybaby
If baseball players don't like the shift, maybe they should get a little more creative at the plate. There is no crying in baseball, after all.
The reason defenses shift for certain hitters is because that player only hits the ball one direction. If athletes want to counter that, they should learn how to hit the ball in other directions and diversify their skill set. Crying about shifts only makes them look lazy. Professional sports is about winning within the rules. The shift breaks no rules.
Don't reward hitters for being one-noted. Keep the shift.
#ToughShiftCrybaby
Did Mark Teixeira just say that he doesnt like the defensive shift because it will force power hitters to change their swing? God forbid we ask them to get creative at the plate. No wonder baseball interests is declining. #mlb
— Matthew Mosley (@mattymo207) April 1, 2018
