Bunt defense runners on 1st & 2nd

Question
Who is responsible keeping the runner on second close to the base?  The second baseman or shortstop?  Seems like the second baseman can't do both, that is hold the runner close and be able to cover first base.
Thanks!

Answer
Chris:

In a standard bunt defense, with runners on first and second:

1.  3B reads the bunt, covers 3B, unless the ball is bunted on the third base side, where the pitcher will not be able to field it.  He or she must then make a quick decision and come field the bunt.  In this defense, the 3B is responsible to remind the pitcher to get the 3B side.

2.  If the pitcher does not field the bunt, but the third baseman does, pitcher goes to third base.

3.  Shortstop works the runner at second, goes to second on the bunt.

4.  Second baseman goes to 1B.

5.  1B holds runner on first, crashes on the pitch, has responsibility for balls bunted up the first base side.

6.  Catcher fields anything he can get to out in front of the plate, and makes the call as to where the play is going to.


A second option, the wheel.  Used to provide a different look to the offense, mostly used when it is essential to get the out at third base.

1.  3B crashes.

2.  Shortstop works the runner at 2B, then starts the wheel play by breaking for 3B.

3.  Pitcher doesn't throw until the 3B breaks, otherwise the runner can beat 3B to the base.  Pitcher is then responsible for the bunt in front of the mound.

4.  2B goes to first base.

5.  First baseman crashes and has any bunt up the first base side.

6.  Catcher fields anything he can get in front of the plate, and makes the call as to where the play is going.

Defense starts with the idea they are going to get the force at third, and looks there first.  If it isn't there, ball goes to first.  There is no one covering second on this play, basically everything has been committed to getting the lead runner at 3B.

The biggest factor in all bunt defense is communication and decisiveness on the part of the defense.  A much overlooked area to these defenses is the outfield.  

All three outfielders should be moving at full speed to back up a base, LF to 3B, CF to 2B, and RF to 1B.  A bad throw, with two runner on and no outfielder backup, is going to score two runs and leave, at a minimum, a runner in scoring position at 2b.

That becomes very demoralizing to the defense.  The outfield backup can keep the second run from scoring and possibly keep the batter runner off 2B.  That makes a big difference in what happens to their mental state.

Good luck as you go forward.  

Yours in baseball,

Rick