Beating the overshift

Tonight's game against the Washington Nationals featured the exception to the rule. Ryan Howard flared a ball onto the right side of the field that fell in between the second baseman and the right fielder.

Since Ryan Howard broke into the Major Leagues, opposing teams have employed the "overshift" when he is up to bat, meaning that the third baseman plays in the shortstop position, the shortstop plays in the second base position and the second baseman plays in shallow right field. This alignment has taken countless should-have-been base hits to right field away from Howard.

There may be a way for Howard to beat the overshift that does not involve hitting a lucky shot in between fielders.

Ryan Howard should consider occasionally trying to bunt down the third base line. As long as Howard can bunt the ball past the pitcher (which should not be too hard given Howard's strength), he will easily get a base hit. If Howard successfully executes these bunts on a consistent enough basis (only once or twice a month should suffice), opposing teams would be forced to adopt a more regular infield alignment leading to more base hits to right field for Howard.