There may not be an infinite number of variations on the shift, but there are quite a few. And the placement may change as per the ball, strike count during the course of a batter.
Does the defense receive placement instructions from the bench? If so, how do they convey it to the defense? Do they signal, give me variation number 52? And how would they pass on this information? Hand signals?
Or does the defense know that when a certain player bats, this is where we play?
It appears to be rather seamless. No one appears to be scratching their head, as if to say, do I play to the right or left of second base, etc.
Thank you for any insight you may have to share.
No replies?
Obvious answer? Or have I stumped the band?
They don’t need a signal, they can just yell out loud. It isn’t as if the batter can’t see it.
The shift for each batter is usually planned out in advance. There aren’t THAT many shifts you need in one game.
If you go to a game, make a point of watching the coaching staff when a defensive shift is happening; you’ll sometimes see them point and move guys around.
In addition to the above well reasoned and inciteful answers, I’ll add that sometimes you will see the catcher step out in front of home plate and use hand signals to communicate defensive positions. This is done by the catcher because the catcher knows exactly how he and the pitcher are going to pitch to a certain batter.
There’s a slight variation from team to team in where the third baseman goes for a lefty hitter - sometimes the entire infield will just bunch up on the right, sometimes the 3B will go into short right while the rest stay at their usual posts. But that just depends on where the players feel more comfortable.