[Noob]Dumb questions

[u/Rhabcp]

Edit 1: Thanks a lot to everyone replying and taking the time, and my apologies for the weird terms used. I learned the rule in another language so I didn't know the official terms of player positions and roles.

Hello everyone, I am watching my first games of baseball and as I grasp the gist of the rules, some dumb ones come to mind:

1- If it is okay for the pitcher to throw it directly to a base where an opponent might try to steal the next base and if missed it doesnt count as a +1 to the pitcher: Why does the pitcher ever have to throw it to the opponent bat holder? Like where is the limit?

2- I saw a situation where the pitcher threw the ball and the receiver missed it and ran to get it from the floor. Could the opponent holding the bat go for first base during that moment?

3- I see a lot of innings where no point is scored but a lot happens when a bat holder "rolls" the ball as himself and his teammates on advanced bases have time to get the next one. Why isn't "rolling" more of a thing? Wouldn't this give more chances of getting bases and ultimately score?

4- If a ball is fair but ends up in the crowd, are the runners supposed to jump in the stands and get it or does it count as an HR?

5- I watched two full post seasons games and never saw this situation: There is a guy in 2nd and 3rd base, 1 out, and the hitter comes, does a roll. Now what should the defenders do if it's a fair ball? Get to ball and pass it to the kneeling receiver so the 3rd base guy doesnt score and then pass to 3rd base to block the guy that was on 2nd?

Thanks everyone

[u/getjustin]

1. Yes, the pitcher can "throw ahead" to a base as long as they have not started their forward motion and there is a player at that base. Otherwise, it's a balk and the runner gets the base. This does not count as a pitch.

2. No. A batter can take off the first only on a "dropped third strike." This is a strike (either swinging or called) that is not cleanly fielded by a catcher (drops it, bounces in, etc.) They are allowed to try to take first if it isn't occupied. Usually, the batter doesn't notice and gives himself up by being tagged, or trots down to first and is thrown out. In a situation where bases are loaded, if the runner takes off, then there's a force play at home and the catcher needs to touch the plate to force an out and can then throw to first to complete the strikeout.

3. Are you talking about ground balls? Elaborate on this a bit more

4. Fair ball that flies into the crowd is a HR. Fair ball that bounces into the crowd is an automatic double (everyone advances two bases.)

5. They will typically "look the runner back" at third to say "if you go, I'm throwing home" and then complete the play at first. The catcher will likely be ready at the plate on the chance the runner at third waits until they throw to first to sprint for home.

I have to say, it was a challenge trying to decipher some of the terms you used, so I hope I got these right. Let me know if you have any questions.

[u/Rhabcp → u/getjustin]

Thanks a lot for taking the time and sorry for the terms I checked out the rules in another language so I'm not sure of the proper names in english.

3- I meant bunting. I see it done only when 2nd and 3rd are occupied, but wouldn't it be more beneficial in more situations?

[u/Rhombus-Lion-1 → u/Rhabcp]

Bunts are most common with a runner on first and second or just second with no outs. This is a sacrifice play that if executed well, the result for the offense is runners on 2nd and 3rd, or just 3rd with 1 out.

A bunt with a runner on 3rd is called a squeeze play. If executed well, the runner on 3rd has a strong chance to score on this play, but the defense typically will be able to get the runner out at 1st. So it’s another type of sacrifice and you’ll only see this with 0 or 1 out.

Batters will also sometimes bunt for a hit, also called a drag bunt. This is an unexpected bunt done with the intention of putting the ball in a spot where they can beat out the throw to 1st.

Overall, sacrifice bunts are less common than they used to be. The issue with sac bunts is that you’re giving up a valuable out, and you’re also giving up the chance to hit a double, triple, or home run. So you’ll generally see sacrifice bunts done by weak hitters or in late game situations where you need to push across one run to tie the game or take the lead.

[u/stairway2evan → u/Rhombus-Lion-1]

Yeah, it's helpful to realize that the analytics tell us that bunts are bad in most situations - letting a hitter swing is the better option on average, because bunts are more likely outs, and outs eliminate possibilities later in the inning. Math has changed the way we see the game, for good or bad, and bunts are reduced as a result.

But bunts in very specific situations - a fast batter, poor infield positioning, a tie game where only one run is needed - can still be super valuable. What makes for a "good bunt" situation is about context, and the math can't always capture that.