August 6, 200619 yr If David "Big Papi" Ortiz can bunt for a basehit then Hanley with his speed should be able to, if not able he should be willing to learn.
August 6, 200619 yr Ortiz has the whole left side of the infield to bunt through. Bronco, I don't think anyone, including Hanley, is arguing that he shouldn't eventually learn to bunt to sacrifice or for hits. It's a question of when and how.
August 6, 200619 yr Hanley has three things to work on this winter and spring - Bunting, Fielding routine plays and running the bases.
August 7, 200619 yr Ortiz has the whole left side of the infield to bunt through. Bronco, I don't think anyone, including Hanley, is arguing that he shouldn't eventually learn to bunt to sacrifice or for hits. It's a question of when and how. Actually Hanley said he dosen't want to bunt. Now I could be taking that wrong but to me that says he dosen't even want to learn. I would hope I am wrong because I feel that bunting is a valuable tool for eveyone to learn and if not master then at least to be proficient at. Sunday he laid down an OK bunt. That's a step forward IMO. But nothing compared to what Hoover laid down. Kinda goes back to an earlier thread where I said I would like Reggie to bunt more for hits. He should and could come in for a PH in those critical situations deep in a game where one is needed. His speed just makes things happen out there. Not saying he has magically figured anything out at the plate, but it is a strong point for him and one Giardi should capitalize on. Sunday his stats show he had an 0 for 3 but it dosen't show he beat out 2 DPs to keep the innings going. One of those DPs was also on a broken bat (don't know if they said anything on TV about it but the crack was very audible at the ball park).
August 7, 200619 yr Every player would like to swing for a homer too, but that doesn't mean they don't eventually take time to learn to hit it the opposite way or a chopping grounder. I don't think Hanley has any more reservations about learning to bunt than anything else he's had to learn in his career. Or Cabrera to work on his defense. He simply doesn't want to be asked to bunt. To have the bat taken out of his bands. He's sure of himself. He trusts himself. Time will tell if that acts as a detriment to his studies in the art of bunting. I suspect it will.
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